A chartered helicopter carrying hunters crashed into rugged alpine terrain northwest of Queenstown yesterday, killing two people and leaving three others unharmed, police confirmed. The incident, which occurred during a hunting expedition in Mount Aspiring National Park, has prompted a multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The helicopter, charted for the hunting trip, struck a mountainside in Otago’s remote backcountry shortly after 9:50 a.m. On Sunday, according to Detective Sergeant Sarah Waugh of Police Otago. Emergency services were alerted to the crash and responded swiftly, with Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre leading the initial operation in coordination with police and air ambulance services.
“The two people who died were the sole occupants of the craft at the time,” Waugh said in a statement released Sunday evening. “Three others from the hunting group were located on the ground and taken to safety.” The rescue operation, which involved coordination across multiple agencies, concluded successfully, though the tragedy has left a profound impact on those involved.
In the wake of the crash, the deaths have been referred to the Coroner, and both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) have been formally notified. TAIC’s chief investigator of accidents has appointed a team to examine the site and determine the cause of the incident. “They travelled to the region this morning and will go to the accident site as soon as practicable,” a TAIC spokesperson said.
Rescue and Response
The response to the crash involved a rapid deployment of resources, with Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the operation. Police, air ambulance services, and other emergency personnel worked together to ensure the safety of the three survivors, who were transported to medical facilities for assessment.
“We want to thank the agencies that provided support during this response,” Waugh said. “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by what happened this morning.” The rugged terrain of Mount Aspiring National Park presented significant challenges for the rescue teams, underscoring the importance of preparedness and coordination in such remote and hazardous environments.
The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to review the helicopter’s maintenance and operational history as part of its investigation, while TAIC will focus on reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Next Steps and Investigations
The Coroner’s office will oversee the investigation into the cause of death, while TAIC’s team of investigators is already on the ground, preparing to visit the crash site. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough and independent examination to ensure the safety of future flights in similar conditions.
For those affected by the tragedy, support services are available through local community organizations and mental health providers. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this incident, resources such as the New Zealand Crisis Text Line (text HELP to 4357) and Lifeline (0800 543 354) are available for immediate assistance.
The next official updates will likely come from the Coroner’s office and TAIC as their investigations progress. Families and friends of those involved are advised to stay tuned to official channels for further information.
If you have information or concerns about helicopter safety or wish to share your thoughts on this incident, we invite you to leave a comment below or share this article with others who may be affected.
