A pilot and a crew member had a lucky escape after their rescue helicopter crash landed near Taupo Hospital today.
One man, a non-medical crew member, was moderately injured and is being treated at Taupo Hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the aircraft appeared to clip the top of trees as it began its descent on to the hospital helipad, causing the helicopter to careen to the ground.
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said the helicopter landed heavily on impact.
A CAA investigator would examine the scene and interview the pilot.
