The wreckage of the light plane flown by Stace Hopper which crashed in Ruakaka last year. Photo / John Stone
The wreckage of the light plane flown by Stace Hopper which crashed in Ruakaka last year. Photo / John Stone
A Coroner says an error of judgement caused a fatal plane crash which claimed the life of a gifted and talented young man, and heir apparent to a hardworking family.
Coroner Brandt Shortland has released his findings into the death of Stace Hopper, who died when his light plane clippeda ute after take off at Ruakaka in March last year, crashed and burst into flames.
The Coroner says the 27-year-old misjudged what was supposed to be a fun thing, and deliberately flew lower than normal to leave a smile on the face of his friends.
