A helicopter pilot killed in a high impact crash in North Canterbury has been named.
David Stanley Jones, 48, of Woodend, was the pilot and sole occupant of a Robinson R22 helicopter operated by his company HeliMax.
Senior Sergeant Malcolm Johnston said the crash occurred near the base of Mt Percy, inland from Domett and south of Cheviot, just before 9.30am on Wednesday.
Mr Johnston said inquiries indicate that the helicopter had been spraying Matagouri at low altitude in a valley on the western side of the mountain when the crash happened.
The helicopter burst into flames on impact and Mr Johnston said it is likely that the pilot would have been killed instantly. The body was expected to be removed from the scene later on Wednesday.
The wreckage of the helicopter will remain at the site, pending investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority.
