A 32-year-old man is dead and another is in a critical condition after a helicopter crash near Lindis Pass, in Central Otago, a spokesperson for St John Ambulance says.
Police responded to an emergency beacon that was activated shortly before midday.
Photo: 123rf.com
A Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman said a rescue helicopter and another chopper carrying a cliff rescue team arrived at the scene not long afterwards.
The survivor, a 51-year-old man, was flown to Dunedin in a helicopter with head and chest injuries.
The Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman said he believed the crashed helicopter was a Robinson R22.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has previously called attention to the high rate of accidents involving the Robinson R22.
The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified.
Lindis Pass in Central Otago Photo: 123rf