The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing

Rescuer Pete Munford fell 70ft down Pike O' Stickle in the Lake District.

The incident, on Monday, happened when the blades of a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter struck the ground.

Andy Dell, team leader from Kendal Mountain Rescue who was at the scene, said Mr Munford had suffered a serious back injury and a wrist injury.

Michael Mulford of RAF Search and Rescue said: "The Navy had put their own winch man and a mountain rescuer from Kendal down to help.

"During an operation to put a second one down from Kendal, the blades of the helicopter caught the ground, which created a dire emergency.

'Fantastic service'

"The mountain rescue guy was on the ground, still in the rescue harness, and as the helicopter turned away he disengaged himself from it and then fell down the hillside about 70ft.

"It's quite remarkable that he only has a broken wrist and bruising.

"This is also an opportunity to pay tribute to these outstanding local rescue teams. These people do a fantastic service locally."

The helicopter landed safely nearby and the three crew were described as shaken but unhurt.

The fell walker, a 20-year-old man, suffered shoulder injuries.

An RAF investigation into the accident has begun.

Land quickly

Mr Mulford added: "The RAF will want to know exactly what went wrong down to the last detail.

"Investigators will look at everything from the vehicle's history to the weather conditions.

"Once a helicopter's blades touch the rock face then obviously it can't fly and the pilot has to land as quickly as possible.

"In this case they managed to carry out the emergency drill and land safely."