Rescue crews arrived about 30 minutes after the helicopter crash near Wellington's Mākara Beach. Photo / File, Wikimedia Commons
Rescue crews arrived about 30 minutes after the helicopter crash near Wellington's Mākara Beach. Photo / File, Wikimedia Commons
A helicopter has crashed near Wellington’s Mākara Beach this morning while undertaking routine farming work, trapping the pilot and triggering an emergency response.
Maritime NZ’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) is leading the response to the incident.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the Robinson R66 helicopter, wasinitially trapped in the wreckage but was freed and was to be flown to Wellington Hospital for treatment.
The incident was first reported at around 7.50am, when RCCNZ received an electronic location transmitter alert.
In response, the LifeFlight Wellington rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene with medical staff onboard, arriving at 8.20am to provide assistance.
The crash involved a Robinson R66 helicopter. Photo / Wikimedia Commons
The crash prompted a response from Fire and Emergency NZ and police, who are aiding RCCNZ in the ongoing operation.
The Civil Aviation Authority has also been notified.
The helicopter was engaged in “agricultural work” at the time of the crash, Maritime NZ said.
