Helicopter Falls & Crashes Erecting Auckland's Telecom Christmas Tree

JonE(vil) · #1 ● 11-22-2011, 09:45 PM

On a day meant for spreading festive cheer, a dramatic incident unfolded during the installation of Auckland's Telecom Christmas tree, leaving witnesses stunned. The mishap occurred when a helicopter, engaged in placing the city's Christmas tree, appeared to collide with a wire, leading to a sudden loss of control.

In a remarkable stroke of fortune, the incident caused minimal harm to those involved. Steve Walker, a CAA Safety Inspector at the scene, expressed amazement that the individuals present at the accident site emerged with little to no injuries.

Greg Gribble, an experienced pilot from Auckland-based firm Helisika Helicopters, was at the controls during the incident. Fortunately, he managed to walk away with minor injuries and was subsequently discharged from Auckland City Hospital.

The precise cause of the crash remains unclear, prompting the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to initiate an in-depth investigation. Preliminary findings are expected to be released within a month.

Once the CAA concludes its examination at the crash site, ownership of the wreckage will be returned to its rightful owner for removal.

For Gribble's son, Jaz, relief washed over him as he spoke to his father following the incident. Gribble Jr. noted that his father, a pilot since the early 1990s, had narrowly escaped what could have been a catastrophic accident. He acknowledged that his father had encountered challenges in the past but believed this incident was among the closest calls he had ever faced.

The dramatic incident unfolded near the Te Wero Island bridge, connecting the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter on the waterfront. Eyewitnesses on boats in the viaduct observed the helicopter's rotor blades getting dangerously close to a wire before the collision.

Nite · #2 ● 11-22-2011, 11:05 PM

and the dude survived

Illusion · #3 ● 11-23-2011, 02:50 AM

The pilot of a helicopter which crashed in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour is understood to have escaped serious injury.
The squirrel helicopter was working to erect the seven storey Telecom Christmas tree at its new home on Auckland’s waterfront when it clipped a wire and crashed around 10:30 this morning.
TVNZ cameras set up to film the installation of the tree captured the moment the helicopter ran into trouble; snapping its tail, just metres above the ground. The cockpit remained intact.
Witnesses saw the pilot, named as Greg Gribble, walking away from the crash assisted by two others who were working on the project.
3 News has since spoken with the pilot who confirmed he was shaken, but okay.
St John confirmed the pilot has been transported to hospital with minor injuries. Another person is being treated for minor injuries at the scene.
The Fire Service said no fuel was spilled, however a specialist appliance is on stand by with absorbent.
Te Wero Bridge is closed while the council works with authorities to determine the official cause of the crash.

downunder · #4 ● 11-23-2011, 03:10 AM

Silly wanker

Faline · #5 ● 11-23-2011, 10:35 AM

Saw this on the news this morning

Horrified internet viewers in New Zealand have seen live pictures of a helicopter becoming entangled in cables and crashing to the ground.

The chopper was helping install a giant Christmas tree on Auckland's waterfront when its blades appeared to catch cables attached to scaffolding causing it to break up about 25ft above ground.
The dramatic footage was filmed by TV New Zealand and was being broadcast live on their website.
The B2 Squirrel helicopter's tail is seen breaking up, causing the rest of the aircraft to spin round and crash.
The pilot was seen being thrown around the cabin but incredibly he survived and walked away from the scene with the help of two workmen involved in the project.
He is now receiving medical attention in hospital but is believed to have avoided serious injury.
The TV station named him as Greg Gribble, saying he has 20 years flying experience.
Speaking to TVNZ his son Jazz Gribble said he spoke to his father shortly after the crash and he was "shaken but doing reasonably well".
The Civil Aviation Authority is now investigating the accident.