One dead after heli-ski chopper crash
WHAT STARTED out as a perfect day for skiing ended in tragedy near Wanaka yesterday after a helicopter crashed, killing one person.
Police were called at 12.20pm after a Harris Mountain Heliski helicopter crashed at Mount Alta with seven males, including pilot, ski guide and five skiers, all Kiwis, on board.
One person was confirmed dead at the scene.
Four of those on board were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a serious but stable condition, and their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
Two were treated at Wanaka Medical Centre for minor injuries.
It is understood the five skiers were part of an Auckland church group.
HMH director Mark Quickfall said the crash was discovered when the pilot failed to check in at an agreed time.
A company helicopter in the area scouted its location and discovered the crash.
Several other Harris Mountain Heliski helicopters nearby, in use on other heliskiing trips, along with Queenstown and Dunedin rescue helicopters, then flew to the scene with medical staff to assist the injured.
The company, which has been in operation for over 30 years, and is the largest heli-ski firm in New Zealand, offers heli- skiing from Wanaka, Queenstown and Mt Cook.
The fatal flight yesterday had taken off from Queenstown. Quickfall said the weather was ‘‘fabulous’’ and the pilot, who was not seriously injured in the crash, was experienced.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission had launched an inquiry into the crash.
Two investigators had begun work and were expected to inspect the wreckage today.
Thousands of other skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers were making the most of perfect conditions at nearby ski resorts Treble Cone, Cardrona Alpine Resorts and Snow Farm when the helicopter crashed.