Helicopter crashes in Adelaide's north

A trainee pilot has narrowly avoided disaster after crashing a helicopter at Parafield airport in Adelaide's north.

Police say the helicopter landed on its side on Wednesday morning after the pilot attempted a hovering manoeuvre.

He and his instructor were able to escape from the aircraft and isolate its fuel and power, preventing a fire.

The instructor suffered minor rib injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Emergency services crews are cleaning up spilled fuel.