Death plunge microlight was built by aircraft club

By REBECCA WALSH

A light plane that crashed into a paddock near Rangiora last night, killing two men, was built around last Christmas by members of the club that owned it.

The pilot and his passenger, understood to be from Christchurch, died when the Rans Coyote 2 microlight nose-dived into a field near Loburn, North Canterbury.

A dozen firefighters from Rangiora station raced 15km to the scene to help police and ambulance staff.

Fire Service lighting equipment was set up to help emergency services deal with the crash in fading light and cutting equipment was used to help remove the bodies.

Police said it appeared the plane had been doing circuits of the area just before the crash.

The men's names were not available last night.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said the microlight was not the type maintained by engineers.

Pilots would need a microlight pilot's licence to fly it and it seated two people.

The deaths came hours after a memorial service at Christchurch Cathedral for the eight killed in the Piper Chieftain crash near Christchurch Airport 11 days ago.

Michael Sheffield, president of the Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club, said that last night's accident was extremely upsetting for the club, which has about 100 members.

The pilot had been a member of the club for two to three years but was experienced. "He's a good club member and he'll be sadly missed."

Mr Sheffield understood the other victim was a friend of the pilot. They were the first fatalities for the club.

The microlight made its first flight on January 30.

Mr Sheffield said the aircraft was very stable and had a proven record.

"If the engine cut out, the plane would have been able to land. It's made to glide."

Two CAA inspectors are to travel to the scene this morning to begin an investigation.