OFFICIALS from the Civil Aviation Authority today launched an investigation into how a helicopter plunged into a fellside in the northern Lake District.

Two men onboard the Schweizer 269 CS civilian helicopter survived the accident which happened after it had successfully taken off from Carlisle Airport.

Both men in their thirties who are not from Cumbria, suffered injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.

They were taken to the Cumberland Royal Infirmary, Carlisle, for treatment.

The drama was spotted by a witness who called the police after seeing the copter get into difficulty as it flew near Blencathra, north of Keswick.

Cumbria Police said the aircraft came down near Bow Scarr Tarn on the outskirts of Mosedale village, north east of Keswick.

Keswick Mountain Rescue team were called out to the incident, along with police and fire crews. The Great North East Air Ambulance, and an RAF helicopter from Boulmer also attended the scene.