The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is preparing to question the pilot of a Robinson R-22 helicopter that crashed to the ground at the north end of Lake Hauroko, northwest of Tuatapere early yesterday morning.
Sergeant Fred Shandley, of Invercargill, said early investigations showed a helicopter conducting a deer recovery was on the ground when the R-22 - which had been watching the recovery from the air - spiralled to the ground from about 20m about 8am.
The passenger was airlifted from the site with minor injuries to his leg. The pilot was unhurt.
Sgt Shandley said the damaged helicopter was privately owned and had recently travelled to Fiordland from the North Island.
CAA communications manager Bill Sommer said the crash would be investigated but should not require an investigation of the site, which is about 12km from Burns Hut.
Mr Sommer said it appeared the cause of the accident could be determined by talking to the pilot.
