Fatal microlight crash at Twizel: Pilot identified as Trevor Shadbolt

Trevor Shadbolt, pictured in 2016.

Police have identified the pilot killed in a microlight plane crash near Twizel yesterday.

He was 60-year-old Trevor Lawrence Shadbolt, of Pukaki.

Police were alerted to an aircraft that was overdue at around 4.23pm yesterday. Shortly after 5pm the plane was reported crashed.

The crash occurred east of Twizel, south-east of the Pukaki spillway.

Mr Shadbolt was the only occupant of the plane.

Mackenzie Mayor Graham Smith said Shadbolt's death had shocked the tight knit community.

"It's very tragic, and my deepest sympathy to his family,'' he said.

Shadbolt had been the Pukaki Airport manager for about 12 months, and done a great job, Smith said.

"He was a really respected member of the community.''

His death will be referred to the Coroner.

The Civil Aviation Authority will be investigating the crash.