Man injured by flying dinghy in stable condition

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was called in to help the man. Photo / supplied

A 71-year-old man who was struck on the head by a flying dinghy is now in a stable condition.

The 4.3m alloy dinghy with an outboard motor was swept up off the beach and into the air by strong winds at Torrent Bay in Abel Tasman National Park yesterday.

The dinghy struck the Takaka man in the head, causing potentially serious injuries.

He was airlifted to Nelson Hospital, where a spokeswoman today said he was in a stable condition.