Pilot injured after helicopter crashes near Mākara wind farm

Sunday 16 November 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sun 16 Nov 2025, 5:27pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Civil Aviation Authority, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand

A pilot was injured and airlifted to hospital after a Robinson 66 helicopter crashed near Mākara Beach on Sunday morning. The aircraft was performing agricultural work when the crash occurred, which triggered an automatic emergency alert. The pilot was found trapped in the wreckage, but no other people were on board.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZSun 16 Nov 2025, 9:43am

   Helicopter crash near wind farm on Wellington's west coast, one injured (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. StuffSun 16 Nov 2025, 10:22am

   Pilot was trapped after helicopter crash on Wellington's west coast (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZSun 16 Nov 2025, 10:31am

   One injured in helicopter crash on Wellington's west coast (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesSun 16 Nov 2025, 3:14pm

   Pilot found trapped in wreckage after chopper crash (opens in new tab)

5. NZ HeraldSun 16 Nov 2025, 5:27pm

   One person airlifted to hospital following helicopter crash in Mākara, Wellington (opens in new tab)