CAA to investigate fatal helicopter crash

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have begun an investigation into yesterday's fatal helicopter crash in the Lake Coleridge area, about 100km west of Christchurch.

The privately owned Robinson R-22 with a pilot and passenger as reported missing about 2pm and a search begun.

National Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokesman Ross Henderson said the crashed hopper was found in the Rolleston Range northwest of Lake Coleridge.

One of the occupants died at the scene and the other occupant was taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries.

The helicopter had earlier dropped off a party of hunters and had been expected back to pick them up again but never returned.

- NZPA