'Copter crash in Auckland, pilot survives
- 13 years ago
Helicopter pilot Greg Gribble helps erect a seven-storey steel Christmas tree in central Auckland, New Zealand.
But as he lowers the aircraft it clips the structure, and comes crashing to the ground.
Gribble is helped out of the helicopter by workers on the site - and walks away relatively unscathed.
Local media said he was taken to hospital with only minor injuries.
Gribble's son Jaz watched as the accident happened.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PILOT'S SON, JAZ GRIBBLE, SAYING:
"It's pretty nerve racking actually. To see my father, yes, have it come crashing down around him yeah it was pretty nerve-racking."
Gribble has more than 20 years experience as a helicopter pilot, and works out of Auckland.
The Civil Aviation Authority will lead an investigation into the accident.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
But as he lowers the aircraft it clips the structure, and comes crashing to the ground.
Gribble is helped out of the helicopter by workers on the site - and walks away relatively unscathed.
Local media said he was taken to hospital with only minor injuries.
Gribble's son Jaz watched as the accident happened.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PILOT'S SON, JAZ GRIBBLE, SAYING:
"It's pretty nerve racking actually. To see my father, yes, have it come crashing down around him yeah it was pretty nerve-racking."
Gribble has more than 20 years experience as a helicopter pilot, and works out of Auckland.
The Civil Aviation Authority will lead an investigation into the accident.
Travis Brecher, Reuters