Christchurch Police have confirmed that one person suffered moderate injuries in a helicopter crash at Swannanoa, near Kaiapoi, this afternoon.
The injured man was the pilot of a two-seater Guimbal Cabri helicopter which was on a training flight.
Police say the man was believed to be a qualified pilot who was undertaking instructor training.
The helicopter was believed to have been flying at relatively low level and hit the ground heavily near the south end of Two Chain Road, just north of the Waimakriri River.
The crash was reported to emergency services at approximately 4.20pm.
The injured man was transferred to hospital by helicopter with what are believed to be moderate spinal injuries.
The instructor suffered only minor injuries and has remained at the scene.
ENDS