Rescue teams on standby in two potential plane crises

Nest chief pilot Peter Turnbull said the rescue crew were on standby at their Whangarei base. Photo / Chris Rudsdale

Northland's top-notch helicopter rescue team was put on alert for two separate call-outs involving planes preparing to ditch into the ocean off the region's coast.

Extra life rafts, trained rescue swimmers, lights and specialist winch operators were ready to take to the air in the Northland Electricity rescue helicopter and carry out the complex night-time rescues if needed.

The first call for help came last Saturday at 10.50am, followed by another distress call from a pilot about 4.55pm on Monday. In the first call, Airways NZ reported a PAC P750 aircraft was overdue on a ferry flight from Kerikeri to Norfolk Island. It was revealed the aircraft was on the ground at Kerikeri.

However, one and a half hours later, after it had taken off, Auckland Oceanic advised the same aircraft had failed to report at a waypoint and could not be raised on HF or VHF radio. Another aircraft attempted a relay and established the P750 had a communications failure.

Through a series of clicks they worked out the pilot, and sole occupant, was able to get the light aircraft to Kerikeri with unknown problems.

The Northland rescue helicopter was placed on standby until the pilot was finally able to make phone contact on landing at Kerikeri.

On Monday, the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ in Wellington was advised the pilot of a light aircraft on a delivery flight to New Zealand via American Samoa was concerned he might not have enough fuel to reach Auckland. He was encountering strong head winds but it was also suspected the fuel gauge was faulty.

The Nest helicopter in Whangarei was advised and prepared for a flight if required.

Subsequent information from the aircraft showed winds had eased significantly and he would have enough fuel to reach Auckland. It was confirmed the aircraft arrived safely.

Nest chief pilot Peter Turnbull said the rescue crew were on standby at their Whangarei base, ready to fly to the helicopter's offshore maximum range of about 250km.

"We could have escorted them back but if they ditched we would have done all we could to save the pilots. We had the gear and the crew to carry out such a heavy duty operation," Mr Turnbull said.

"Ditching at night in the sea would have been a horrifying experience."