The pilot of a microlight forced into a crash landing near Waipahi yesterday afternoon escaped with only minor injuries.
Emergency services were called to the crash about 3.20pm after a member of the public reported seeing a plume of smoke along State Highway 1 in the vicinity of Pukerau. Detective Sergeant Greg Baird, of Gore, said the male pilot was the sole occupant of the twin-seat Rans S-7 Courier. He suffered minor injuries and was treated by St John.
The Otago Daily Times understands the craft's engine stopped, resulting in the pilot crash landing on a farm on the outskirts of Waipahi.
The front and undercarriage of the microlight was damaged.
Det Sgt Baird said it was too early to identify what caused the crash. He could not confirm where the man was flying to or from.
Alastair Sell, of Waipahi, was visiting his neighbour when he saw the microlight crash land.
''It basically hit the tops of those trees ... I thought ... that doesn't look good.''
His neighbour called 111 and Mr Sell ran to the paddock to check on the pilot.
''I've never seen so many cops in Waipahi.''
Police from Clinton, Gore, and Tapanui, and volunteer firefighters from Pukerau and Gore attended.
The microlight was secured on site overnight and would be recovered in ''due course'', Det Sgt Baird said.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been advised and will be investigating.
The CAA website lists the Rans S-7 Courier as being registered to Dr H.B. Tapper, of Invercargill.
