Helicopter lands with minor damage after engine failure

Jun 04 2023

A pilot was able to land a helicopter with only minor damage after its engine failed near Glenorchy on Saturday morning.

The Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) received a distress beacon alert and mayday call at 9.51am, a RCCNZ spokesperson said.

The pilot, who had two clients on board, was able to land the helicopter with minor damage to the aircraft and all three were uninjured.

The RCCNZ sent two Queenstown-based rescue helicopters to the scene. A separate commercial helicopter also responded to the mayday call, the spokesperson said.

The people who were on the helicopter were taken to Queenstown for assessment.