Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 4, 2021 7:41:07 GMT 12
Pilot found dead after plane goes missing near Alexandra
A pilot has been found dead after a search for a missing aircraft in Central Otago overnight.
A search and rescue operation was launched yesterday after authorities received an emergency beacon alert from a private light aircraft about 5.30pm.
Police confirmed the body of a man was found after the aircraft was located about 4am today.
The aircraft was found on the Old Man Range, near Alexandra, by search and rescue volunteers.
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 with just the pilot on board, was believed to be travelling between Bannockburn and Gore.
Police said work was being undertaken to recover the body.
"We'd like to acknowledge and thank the tireless work of the Wakatipu and Central Otago Search and Rescue volunteers and Otago Helicopters staff who have worked throughout the night," police said.
A search and rescue spokesman this morning told RNZ that a rescue helicopter based in Queenstown joined the search yesterday afternoon, and the pilot reported thick cloud in the area of the crash.
After the chopper search finished for the night, ground crews using thermal imaging equipment and homing devices continued through the night until the body was found.
The spokesman could not give any information on the pilot, or nature of the flight.
Police inquiries are ongoing and the Civil Aviation Authority has been advised.
NZ Herald
www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/pilot-found-dead-after-plane-goes-missing-near-alexandra
A pilot has been found dead after a search for a missing aircraft in Central Otago overnight.
A search and rescue operation was launched yesterday after authorities received an emergency beacon alert from a private light aircraft about 5.30pm.
Police confirmed the body of a man was found after the aircraft was located about 4am today.
The aircraft was found on the Old Man Range, near Alexandra, by search and rescue volunteers.
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 with just the pilot on board, was believed to be travelling between Bannockburn and Gore.
Police said work was being undertaken to recover the body.
"We'd like to acknowledge and thank the tireless work of the Wakatipu and Central Otago Search and Rescue volunteers and Otago Helicopters staff who have worked throughout the night," police said.
A search and rescue spokesman this morning told RNZ that a rescue helicopter based in Queenstown joined the search yesterday afternoon, and the pilot reported thick cloud in the area of the crash.
After the chopper search finished for the night, ground crews using thermal imaging equipment and homing devices continued through the night until the body was found.
The spokesman could not give any information on the pilot, or nature of the flight.
Police inquiries are ongoing and the Civil Aviation Authority has been advised.
NZ Herald
www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/pilot-found-dead-after-plane-goes-missing-near-alexandra
