Pilot dies in helicopter crash near Eyrewell

A helicopter pilot has died following a crash in North Canterbury on Tuesday evening. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and died at the scene near Eyrewell. Police received reports of the aircraft in distress at approximately 5.20pm.

The crash occurred in the Waimakariri District, about 30km northwest of Christchurch. The aircraft was a home-built helicopter. One report noted the helicopter crashed 1km from the aerodrome, while a witness stated the aircraft appeared to be about 400m from the Forest Field Aerodrome.

Eyrewell residents Vickie Lawson and Steve Lawson witnessed the incident from their home. Steve Lawson reported hearing the engine struggle before the aircraft rotated and plunged. Vickie Lawson described the event by saying, "It just fell out of the sky, quite literally".

Fire and Emergency NZ crews from Cust, Oxford, and Rangiora attended the scene. Hato Hone St John also responded to the incident. Police secured the scene overnight, and recovery and examination work was scheduled to continue on Wednesday. The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and will attend the investigation.

How it developed

• Tue 8 Sep, 6:36pmThis report confirmed the pilot was the sole occupant and died at the scene.
• Tue 8 Sep, 7:11pmThis report identified the aircraft as a home-built helicopter and noted the Civil Aviation Authority's involvement.

Where reports differ

• Reports disagree on the type of aircraft, with some describing it as a microlight and others as a helicopter versus a home-built helicopter.
• There are differing accounts of the distance to the aerodrome, with one source stating 1km and another stating 400m.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, 1News and The Post.