Operations have been suspended at a Milford Sound airline after two of its pilots were injured during a training flight this morning.

Milford Sound Flights said an emergency locator beacon was activated at 9.15am from one of its planes, a Cessna aircraft, during a training flight with two staff members on board.

Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand rescue mission coordinator Chris Wilson said the aircraft was found upside down 5 kilometres south of Mt Nicholas and were attended by Rescue helicopters from Queenstown and Te Anau.

One man was taken to Kew Hospital in Invercargill and has sustained multiple fractures, and the other was taken to Lakes District Hospital in Queenstown but is now at Dunedin Hospital. He is in a stable condition.

Sergeant Pete Graham of Te Anau police said the plane appears to have struck a bank approaching the air strip and flipped landing on its back

“We are keeping the families informed as we become aware of further information but at this point the incident is in the hands of the emergency services,” corporate communications manager Lenska Papich said.

Milford Sound Flights CEO Jeff Staniland said the pilots have been with the company for some time and are experienced.

He said out of respect of the circumstances the airline will be suspending its commercial operations this weekend.

“It’s been a difficult day for the team and their families here at Milford Sound Flights. Our thoughts are with our pilots at this time,” Mr Staniland said.

Police conducted enquires at the scene on behalf of the CAA who will investigate the matter further.

Milford Sound Flights is a joint venture between Skyline Enterprises and Real Journeys.