Anzac crash survivor supports chopper appeal

The sole survivor of an air force helicopter crash on Anzac day has lent his name to the Westpac Rescue Chopper Appeal.

Sergeant Stevin Creeggan was badly injured when the Iroquois helicopter crashed into a hill at Pukerua Bay, about 40km north of Wellington, while on the way to the capital's Anzac Day dawn ceremony.

He crawled from the wreckage and lodged himself against a bush to stop from rolling down the steep hill before he was winched to safety by the Westpac rescue helicopter from Wellington.

Flying Officer Daniel Stephen Gregory, 28, Flight Lieutenant Hayden Peter Madsen, 33, and Corporal Benjamin Andrew Carson, 25, were killed in the crash.

Sgt Creeggan said today he had always been aware of the rescue helicopter service but the crash had made it more personal.

"The professionalism demonstrated by the crew was incredible, from the pilot who hovered above me, to the crewman who was able to see the facial injuries that I had incurred," he said.

Sgt Creeggan said he had since become good friends with Westpac chopper crewman Dave Greenberg.

"For me, it was a new experience, something I hope will never happen again, but for Dave and the rest of the crew of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service it is an every day thing," he said.

"Whether it is a car accident, or, in my case a helicopter crash, they are the ones who see the trauma first-hand. I encourage everyone to support the Westpac Rescue Chopper Appeal, as you never know when you or your loved ones will need them."

Sgt Creeggan is undergoing rehabilitation in Palmerston North.

- NZPA