A warning for helicopter pilots - to more critically assess landing locations, after a near-miss in Fiordland National Park this year

The Squirrel chopper was collecting climbers from a rock platform at almost five-thousand feet on Mount Madeline in January, when rock fell from under the helicopter skid.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission says the pilot repositioned, but the main rotor hit a boulder, badly damaging the helicopter.

There were no injuries.

The Commission says the crew's accident response plan and training helped ensure everyone's safety.