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An instructor and trainee pilot have been seriously injured after a light aircraft crashed in a North Canterbury paddock.
Emergency services were called to a farm off Rakahuri Rd, near Glentui, at 11.35am today after the plane landed nose-first and the cabin was crushed on impact.
Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club president Doug Anderson said its chief flying instructor, Stewart Bufton, was in the plane with a trainee pilot when it crashed.
Mr Anderson said he understood that Bufton, who has 15 years' flying experience, has suffered a broken leg and arm.
A St John spokesman said both men were initially treated for serious injuries, and one was flown by helicopter to Christchurch Hospital.
The extent of the trainee pilot's injuries was not known.
Police at the scene confirmed that a trainee pilot and instructor took off from the Rangiora Airfield earlier today.
"The reason for the crash is unknown, at this stage, but it appears they have been flying at low level and have clipped powerlines and ended up crashing in a farm paddock," Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Irvine said.
"They are very lucky."
A Civil Aviation Authority investigator was due at the scene on Thursday.
Ambulance, fire and police all attended the incident.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman Lyn Crosson said two crews from Oxford and Rangiora were sent to the scene.
MainPower was also at the farm to repair the lines.
- Star News and NZ Herald