A helicopter pilot was found trapped in his chopper after it went down on Wellington’s remote west coast.
Maritime NZ said the impact of the helicopter crash near Mākara Wind Farm triggered an automatic alert, which the Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) received at 7.50am.
RCCNZ principle advisor Vince Cholewa said the pilot was carrying out agriculture work near Mākara Beach and was the only person on board the Robinson 66.
Cholewa said the electronic location transmitter (ELT) alert prompted dispatch of the Lifeflight, Wellington rescue helicopter and medical teams.
Cholewa said the pilot was freed and flown to Wellington Hospital.
He said the Civil Aviation Authority has been notified.
Fire and Emergency shift manager Murray Dunbar said there was only one person on board the helicopter.
Five FENZ crews responded to the accident in addition to the rescue helicopter.
rnz.co.nz
