Body of helicopter pilot recovered

A Robinson 44 helicopter, similar to the one Damian Webster was flying. Photo / Robinson Helicopters

The body of helicopter pilot Damian Webster has been recovered by police.

Mr Webster was flying from Karamea on the West Coast to Nelson on a maintenance mission last Tuesday, along with another helicopter, when his aircraft, a Robinson 44, was lost over the Kahurangi Range.

The wreckage was later discovered by a rescue helicopter on Friday afternoon.

Yesterday, Mr Webster's body was recovered from the scene of the crash, a police spokeswoman said.

"Police, with the help of the New Zealand Air Force, were able to remove the pilot's body from the crash site yesterday afternoon.

"Transport accident investigators are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash."

She said the death has now been referred to the coroner.