3 May 2016

Wreckage from fatal helicopter crash airlifted off mountain

8:18 pm on 3 May 2016

The wreckage from a fatal helicopter crash at the Lindis Pass has been taken to Wanaka for investigation.

Liam Edwards, a 32-year-old from Southland, died at the scene of the Saturday crash and the 51-year-old pilot was taken to Dunedin Hospital with head and chest injuries.

The Civil Aviation Authority says three safety investigators were flown to a nearby ridge this morning and climbed 200 metres down the steep terrain to the crash site.

The wreckage of the Robinson R22 has been airlifted off the mountain and taken to the airport at Wanaka for further examination.

Safety investigators also hope to talk to the pilot, who is recovering from the accident.