Pilot was to help in quake work

Geoff Logan. Photo / Supplied

The family of a pilot killed in a crash off Orewa beach say he was passionate about his work and loved adventure.

Geoff Ian Logan, 44, died when the plane he was flying crashed several hundred metres out to sea on Sunday. Dozens of people saw the accident, which happened just before 3pm.

Mr Logan's body was taken from the water shortly after the accident and a police dive team and maritime unit yesterday helped with the salvage operation.

Flying was a hobby for Mr Logan, who was a co-founder and chief technical officer of Auckland company CleanFlow Systems, which looks at improving and developing wastewater systems.

He had learnt how to fly at the North Shore Aero Club and had bought the small plane about three years ago.

Younger brother Steve Logan said the family were "just distraught".

"He's sadly missed and we just want to thank everyone who tried to help Geoff and did their best to get to him," he said.

Geoff Logan could usually be found out sailing, windsurfing or flying. He was also a talented artist.

"He was a man of many talents, no doubt.

"He was just an excellent guy. He was the best brother, son, dad, uncle and friend. He would help out anybody and he did everything with a passion."

The eldest of four children, Mr Logan grew up in Auckland after the family moved from Te Kuiti when he was young. He is a former student of Westlake Boys High School.

He has three young children from a previous marriage. He married his second wife Mel last year.

Mr Logan, who co-founded CleanFlow Systems with brother Trevor Logan, was due to fly to Christchurch this week to help with earthquake relief work. He was to attend a meeting with the Christchurch City Council, with a colleague, to talk about how the wastewater systems could be rebuilt.

Co-worker Phil Anderson, who is the product manager for the company, said he had known Mr Logan for 10 years.

"He was an inspiration for the company. He was the instigator of the profiling equipment and so his contribution to the company was huge.

"Passion - that was the word to sum him up by. Once he'd made his mind up, he was away."

Police have referred the accident to the coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority is also investigating.