Pilot faces charges over helicopter accident

A Taupo pilot is facing charges over a helicopter accident on Mt Ruapehu.

Bruce Campbell Lilburn appeared in the Taupo District Court yesterday for a status hearing on a charge of operating a helicopter in a manner which caused unnecessary danger to his four passengers.

He previously pleaded not guilty to the charge, brought under the Civil Aviation Act.

Lilburn had a group from the Department of Conservation staff as passengers when he allegedly crash-landed into the lake.