Pilot killed in homemade helicopter crash named
Police have named the man who died after a homemade helicopter crashed in North Canterbury yesterday.
He was Karl James West, 47, from Eyrewell.
Police said they would not comment on the cause of the crash as the Civil Aviation Authority was leading inquiries.
Police also said West’s family had requested privacy.
Emergency crews were seen scouring a rural North Canterbury property last night with torches after the aircraft crashed near Eyrewell.
A police car blocked the entrance to the Eyredale Rd property just before 7pm as crews examined the wreckage.
Police received a report about 5.20pm of a microlight aircraft in distress near Eyrewell, about 30km northwest of Christchurch.
The helicopter involved in the accident. Photo / Supplied
The crash happened near Forest Field Aerodrome.
This morning, the crumpled wreckage was in a field, partially covered by a tarpaulin.
The crumpled wreckage of the homemade helicopter lies in a North Canterbury field as investigations are underway into the cause of its crash. Photo / Anna Heath
Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend described the aircraft as a helicopter and said its pilot, the sole occupant, died at the scene.
“Police are supporting the deceased’s family and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing,” he said.
The Herald understands the aircraft was homemade.
The scene was secured overnight, with recovery and examination work continuing.
Emergency services on the scene at Eyrewell after they first received a report about 5.20pm of a microlight aircraft in distress. Photo / NZ Herald
The owner of the property said he was in the shower when the crash happened.
He described hearing a “loud bang” before looking outside and seeing the wreck.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager said crews from Cust, Oxford and Rangiora responded.
Hato Hone St John referred media inquiries to police.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it had been notified of the crash and was liaising with police and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.
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