While conducting a positioning flight between Blenheim (South Island NZ) to a lifting job in Raurimu (Central North Island NZ) at approximately 2000 feet altitude, the pilot of a Bell UH1H helicopter, registration number ZK-HSP, noticed the oil pressure fluctuating on the Honeywell T53 engine. He then turned the aircraft towards the beach and selected a suitable precautionary landing site near the Hokio Beach settlement. The pilot stated that before landing, he noticed the engine oil pressure indication drop to zero and a loss of engine power. The helicopter landed hard and rolled on its side.

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