Anzac Day survivor back up in the air

The sole survivor of the Anzac Day crash was last night flown to Palmerston North Hospital to be near his family, and handled the helicopter ride "like a champ".

Sergeant Stevin Creeggan was badly injured when an Air Force Iroquois crashed into a hill at Pukerua Bay, about 40km north of Wellington. He crawled from the wreckage and stopped himself rolling down a steep hill by lodging himself against a bush.

Flying Officer Dan Gregory, 28, Flight Lieutenant Hayden ("Muddy") Madsen, 33, and Corporal Ben Carson, 25, died.

Air Force spokesman Kavae Tamariki said Sergeant Creeggan was flown from Wellington Hospital to be "closer to home".

Medical staff didn't think he was up to it at first, but his progress was going very well, Squadron Leader Tamariki said.

"He still has a long way to go, but he is doing well. He was in good spirits and handled the ride like a champ."

Sergeant Creeggan is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

The Iroquois' wreckage has been airlifted from the crash site. The wreck will be reconstructed at Ohakea air base while the cause is investigated.

When asked by 3News about his having celebrity status at the hospital, Sergeant Creeggan said: "Oh, just pretty well known, I think."

- NZPA