Rescue pilot trapped under wreck in spraying accident
A helicopter pilot badly hurt in a crash near Napier is an experienced rescue pilot who has plucked hundreds of injured or lost people to safety.
Chris Mansell, of Bay Heliworks, crashed in his Robinson 44 while spraying blackberry on farmland about 20 kilometres northwest of Napier early yesterday afternoon.
Rescuers taken to the crash site on quad bikes by two farmers found the 49-year-old trapped beneath the wreckage of his helicopter, which was lying on its side just a few metres from a dam pond.
He was able to talk as he was freed, despite suffering a punctured lung, a broken arm and fuel burns.
He was in intensive care at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Hastings and was due to have surgery on his injured arm overnight.
Lowe Corporation rescue helicopter chief pilot Brent Williams said Mr Mansell had flown as a relief pilot for the service for five years, which made yesterday's rescue unusual.
"Knowing the person brings up a few more emotions. But it was a pretty straightforward rescue."
Mr Mansell was contracted to Skyline Aviation when he crashed. Managing director Mike Toogood said it appeared he had flown into some overhead wires.
"He is an excellent pilot, highly skilled and very careful," he said.
Whangarei man Richard Noall, who was rescued from the Kaimanawa Range by Mr Mansell in 2004, also praised his saviour.
Mr Noall, who was on crutches, went walking in the bush with his son Joseph, then 9, and got lost, eventually lighting a fire that was spotted by Mr Mansell.
"He was very quick ... he was probably there within three minutes of me lighting the fire," Mr Noall said yesterday. "It is good to have guys like him putting in their time."