This is the terrifying moment a pilot was injured when a helicopter crashed into a lake in Brazil.

CCTV footage shows the chopper spiralling out of control before plunging into the water in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

Holidaymakers were seen fleeing from the lake's edge as the aircraft neared the area around 12:32 pm local time.

When rescue teams arrived, the pilot and passenger had already been rescued from the partially submerged helicopter.

Authorities reported that only the pilot sustained minor abrasions to one hand. The second person on board emerged unscathed from the crash.

Officials confirmed that the helicopter, registered PS-VNT, had taken off from Jundiai Airport at 12:05 pm, en route to Sao Roque.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.