The investigation into a helicopter crash in the Catlins in June has stalled while authorities wait for the owner to recover the aircraft's wreckage.
The agricultural spraying helicopter crashed in the Owaka Valley early on the evening of June 21.
However, inclement weather and the remote location of the crash near the Wisp Range made recovery difficult.
Police, search and rescue teams and the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter worked in combination to rescue the pilot from a steep hillside about six hours after the crash.
He was taken to Dunedin Hospital with moderate injuries.
Civil Aviation Authority spokeswoman Philippa Lagan said an investigation was planned but had not yet started.
''We're still waiting on the owner of the helicopter to recover it from the side of the hill, so the engine can be examined.''
