Taranaki microlight crash, one dead

[Antonio]

From RNZ:  www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483788/emergency-services-respond-to-reports-of-taranaki-microlight-crash-one-dead

Emergency services respond to reports of Taranaki microlight crash, one dead


The scene of a microlight crash in a paddock north of the Stratford Aerodrome on Flint Road. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

The sole occupant of a microlight craft that crashed in Taranaki this afternoon has been confirmed dead.

Police were notified of the crash at about 11.45am.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Drew Bennett, Taranaki CIB, said police where providing support to the family of the deceased, and extended their condolences to them.

"Police will support Civil Aviation Authority investigators and the Coroner in their investigations into the circumstances of the crash," he said.

Police and emergency services had attended the crash scene in a paddock north of the Stratford Aerodrome on Flint Rd.

After earlier being closed the road has now reopened.

The airstrip is 4km northeast of Stratford and owned by the district council.

[ZacYates]

Awful news.

Here is the NZ Herald’s story (link).[/url]

[philip]

Terrible - I'm really uncomfortable with the media posting pictures that clearly identify the aircraft and likely pilot.

[l29]

Feb 7, 2023 17:31:09 GMT 12 philip said:

Terrible - I'm really uncomfortable with the media posting pictures that clearly identify the aircraft and likely pilot.

Would you prefer to pretend it didn't happen?

[philip]

Feb 7, 2023 18:08:48 GMT 12 l29 said:

Feb 7, 2023 17:31:09 GMT 12 philip said:

Terrible - I'm really uncomfortable with the media posting pictures that clearly identify the aircraft and likely pilot.

Would you prefer to pretend it didn't happen?

I fail to see the relevance of your comment

I'd prefer my family and friends didn't see it before they were given a chance to be told.

[Dave Homewood]

Oh gosh, this is awful news. My condolences to the family and friends.

[ZacYates]

The pilot has been identified as Dr Kenny Gallacher, a Stratford dentist. Story in The Stratford Press here and on Stuff here.

[chbessexboy]

I met Kenny when I bought the Aero Vee out of the Waiex off him. A really nice guy, taken way too soon. My condolences to his family.

[efliernz]

I went down to the Stratford fly-in by car. I spent a good chunk of Saturday chatting with the Stratty group, being an ex-member from the late 80's. My partner and I are considering a plane and Kenny was enjoying showing us his plane... and why I need one like his lol.
I spent some time on the ground with him in his machine, new motor purring away. Such a nice guy. As of that Saturday, they were waiting for paperwork for the new engine install.
Fly high mate...