Man arrested for attacking helicopter

A Blenheim man has appeared in court after he allegedly threw a rock at a frost-fighting helicopter and flashed lights at the pilot.

The incident happened in Seddon, near Lake Grassmere, about 3.45am yesterday, Sergeant Tony Yardley told NZPA.

The 44-year-old beneficiary was charged with endangering transport and resisting arrest.

He was remanded on bail when he appeared at Blenheim District Court today, Mr Yardley said.

The man parked in the area where the helicopter was operating beside a vineyard.

He allegedly flicked his car lights at the helicopter and then shone a spotlight into the helicopter's cockpit, Mr Yardley said.

The man did not explain his actions, but as the helicopter was flying close to the ground early in the morning, he might have been woken by the noise, Mr Yardley said.

The pilot saw the rock being thrown and he was able to avoid it.

"The bigger problem was the spotlight in the eyes," Mr Yardley said.

Despite threats from other residents to take similar action, it was the first time someone had been arrested for attacking frost-fighting choppers, he said.

- NZPA