A Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was placed on standby to rescue a chopper pilot after he landed his aircraft in a tree at Akitio.
The pilot of a Robinson R22 helicopter had a fortunate escape after being forced to 'park' his helicopter in the top of a tree in Akitio yesterday.
Maritime New Zealand said the chief pilot from Outback Helicopters alerted the Rescue Co-ordination Centre of New Zealand by switching on his emergency
locator beacon.
A rescue helicopter from Palmerston North was readied to go to his aid.
However, the pilot was able to climb from his machine and phone rescue authorities from a nearby farmhouse.