(file image) Photo: 123rf
A paraglider with a passenger had to suddenly land in Queenstown, minutes after taking off, when they faced difficulties.
Earlier, police said they were searching for a paraglider reported to be in trouble in Fernhill.
In a statement, GForce Paragliding said the pilot and passenger had taken off from the Skyline Gondola but were forced to land in trees on the outskirts of Queenstown about 10.20am.
"They landed safely in a tree behind the residential suburb after the pilot looked for an alternative landing site.
"Police and search and rescue personnel attended and the passenger was airlifted by helicopter, due to terrain accessibility issues, to the nearby Lakes District Hospital for assessment and observation.
"The pilot was uninjured."
The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified. The company said it would carry out its own internal investigation into the incident.
GForce Paragliding co-director Gavin Taylor said the company was fully supporting the passenger and other family members, and would continue collaborating with authorities.
