Mike Glynn was airlifted from the crash site last week and flown to Dunedin Hospital, where he remains.
A Givealittle page set up to support Mr Glynn’s family through his recovery has received an outpouring of support, raising more than $26,000 in less than 24 hours.
‘‘Mike has been a fixture on the West Coast for as long as most of us can remember - a hard-working, dedicated helicopter pilot and sole trader who has supported so many of us over the years, through the ups and downs of West Coast tourism.
‘‘He’s not a man who asks for help and he won’t be the one asking now,’’ the page said.
‘‘The crash left Mike with serious injuries and the loss of his aircraft.
‘‘Mike has had reconstructive surgery, requiring multiple follow-ups and has many battles yet to face, all while being far from home.’’
The cost of ongoing care with travel, accommodation and family taking time off work all added up, the page said.
‘‘His family now faces months of financial pressure on top of everything else.
‘‘Over the years, many of you have already shown your generosity to Mike in ways big and small — time, aviation services, and goodwill that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
‘‘Now it’s our turn to come together again, this time when he needs it most.’’
Yesterday afternoon, on the second day of fundraising $30,960 had been raised.
The crowdfunding would assist family with time off work, accommodation and travel while Mr Glynn was in hospital in Dunedin, the Givealittle page said.
Emergency services responded to the crash, south of the intersection of the Haast Pass Highway with Grassy Creek Rd, about 3.40pm last Monday.
Haast volunteer fire brigade member Adam Cowan said the pilot was walking and talking and in good spirits when they got there — ‘‘it was a lucky outcome’’.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) attended the scene the same day to make initial inquiries to understand what occurred and why.
It said this week an investigation would follow into the cause of the crash.
- By Janna Sherman
