Police have released the name of the helicopter pilot killed in a crash in North Canterbury this morning.
Formal identification is not yet complete, but Police believe he was David Stanley Jones, aged 48, of Woodend.
Mr Jones was the pilot and sole occupant of a Robinson R22 helicopter, operated by HeliMax, the Woodend-based company he owned.
Senior Sergeant Malcolm Johnston says the crash occurred near the base of Mt Percy, inland from Domett, shortly before 9.30 this morning.
"Our enquiries indicate that the helicopter had been spraying matagouri at low altitude in a valley on the western side of Mt Percy when the crash occurred.
"It was a high impact crash and the helicopter burst into flames on impact. It is likely the pilot would have been killed instantly."
The body of the deceased is expected to be removed from the scene later today.
The wreckage of the helicopter will remain at the site pending investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority.
ENDS
Note: Police advise Mr Jones' family has requested privacy and ask news media not to attempt to contact them.