Pilot critical after helicopter crashes in Ruapehu region
A man is in a serious condition after a helicopter crashed in the Ruapehu region.
The pilot, who was the only occupant on board the helicopter, is being taken to Whanganui Hospital.
The chopper came down in the Waimarino Forest, near Raetihi, a remote area that meant emergency services took time to get to the scene.
In a statement, police said officers are with the pilot's family to support them "at this distressing time".
The investigation into the cause of the crash will be handled by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).
Emergency services are on their way to the crash scene, in a remote location on Makakahi Road.
Police and rescue services got the call shortly after 9.30am on Sunday but weren't expected to reach the scene until around 11am.
"We have no further details yet. We know there is a crash there but we're still about 30 minutes from the scene," fire service commander Mike Wanoa said in an update at 10.30am.
Makakahi Road runs part way between the Tongariro and Whanganui national parks.
- WITH NZN
