Helicopter Crashes while setting up a Christmas tree in Auckland – Dramatic Video

A helicopter pilot involved in a dramatic crash on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour this morning has told ONE News he “is doing fine”. Greg Gribble was using the helicopter to set up the Telecom Christmas Tree. The chopper had lifted a pylon into the air and was slowly descending when the crash happened. Gribble could be seen looking around the helicopter as he descended in closely-confined conditions. The main rotor then struck a cable causing a loud bang as the chopper flipped and slammed into the ground. The company assists in firefighting and spraying chemicals. Jazz said lifting the xmas tree was not particulary unusual. He said the company has good safety record but he does have concerns about the future of the company. Eyewitnesses described hearing a “massive whack” or an “enormous pop” as the rotor got tangled in the cable. The B2 Squirrel helicopter was heavily damaged with its tail snapped in half. Gribble was thrown around the helicopter as it hit the ground, but was quickly helped from the wreckage by other workers. He is being assessed in the emergency department at Auckland Hospital and staff say he could be released this afternoon. Gribble’s son Jazz, also a pilot, told ONE News he spoke to his father as soon as he was picked up by the ambulance. He said his father was shaken but he is doing reasonably well. Jazz told ONE News he was on his way to the hospital. Jazz said lifting the christmas tree was not particulary unusual for the company, who is often …

Title: Helicopter Crashes while setting up a Christmas tree in Auckland – Dramatic Video

Submitted by: Peter

Category: Helicopter Crashes