A helicopter installing a Christmas tree in Auckland, New Zealand, was involved in a dramatic crash after the craft became tangled in wires. Jaz Gribble, son of the pilot, shares how the crash was ‘nervewracking’.
A videographer captured a helicopter crash in Auckland, New Zealand at the Viaduct Basin or Viaduct Harbor on Auckland’s waterfront. The helicopter was installing a seven-story tall Christmas tree when it apparently became entangled in cables that were suspending the tree. The force of the torque splits the helicopter in two pieces, and the pilot escapes out of a door, while limping, after he was helped out by at least five co-workers. The whining noise is the sound of the motor that continues to operate even after the tail is split from the main body of the helicopter.
Apparently no serious injuries occurred, but the helicopter was destroyed.
The helicopter operator was apparently Helisika, which is a family business based out of Ardmore Airport in Auckland, New Zealand. Helisika provide lifting, charter, agricultural, forestry, film, fishing, and firefighting services in New Zealand, according to their website.
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helisikahelicopters.co.nz