An ageing fleet on verge of retirement

The Iroquois helicopter that crashed into a hill near Pukerua Bay yesterday morning was part of an ageing fleet that will be replaced by 2013- nearly 50 years after they were first commissioned for use here.

Yesterday's crash was the second fatal accident involving airforce Iroquois helicopters or "Hueys" since they began service in New Zealand in 1966.

The last fatality happened on April 27, 1972 almost 38 years ago to the day when three people died in NZ3810 when it crashed into sandhills near the Kaipara Harbour.

The RNZAF website said there have been four other crashes in its fleet of 14 Iroquois - the most recent in 1995 when engine failure resulted in the aircraft landing short of the Waiouru helipad, and overturning in the Ngamatea swamp.

Helipro chief executive Rick Lucas, who runs a large fleet of commercial helicopters, said Iroquois were highly regarded in the industry despite their age.

"It's older technology but it's extremely well-proven technology, without a doubt, and they're in use with airforces and operators all around the world."

He said the RNZAF's engineers and maintenance crews were "among the best in the world" and the choppers would have been serviced regularly.

"People in the aviation industry know they have a fantastic reputation for the way they maintain their aircraft."

The airforce is to replace the helicopters with eight NH90 utility choppers from France as part of a $770 million airforce upgrade despite criticism into their performance by a recent German Army report.