Helicopter crash scene examination to wrap up tomorrow

The crash wreckage of the Robinson R44 seen through the trees in the Lochy Valley area southwest of Queenstown. Photo / NZ Police

A scene examination at the site of a helicopter crash near Queenstown, which killed two men and led to the country's largest aircraft grounding, will wrap up tomorrow.

James Louis Patterson Gardner, 18, of Queenstown, and Stephen Anthony Nicholson Combe, 42, of Wanaka, were found dead at the wreckage of the Robinson R44 they had been flying in remote bush in the Lochy Valley area, in the Eyre Mountains southwest of Queenstown, around 90 minutes after the chopper was reported overdue on Thursday.

Both men worked for Queenstown helicopter company Over the Top. Mr Patterson Gardner was the son of owner Louisa 'Choppy' Patterson, who has operated the adventure tourism company for 29 years.

Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigators expect to complete their examination of the crash scene today, a spokesman said.

"In addition to examining and retrieving the wreckage from the accident site the two investigators will have gathered documentary evidence and completed nine interviews of company representatives and other witnesses," he said.

"The wreckage is to travel north tomorrow to the commission's Wellington technical facility for more detailed examination."

The incident sparked the grounding of 80 Robinson R44's using the same rotor blade type involved in the fatal crash.

It is the largest grounding of an aircraft in the country's history.

On Saturday, Civil Aviation Authority director Graeme Harris grounded all Robinson R44 series helicopters fitted with a C016 7 Dash 7 main rotor blade until further notice as a safety precaution. Australia's aviation safety body followed suit.

Meanwhile, a funeral service will be held for Mr Patterson Gardner on Thursday at St John Presbyterian Church in Arrowtown.