Investigation into fatal flight

Civil Aviation Authority inspectors are examining the site of a plane crash that claimed the life of 22-year-old Tauranga pilot Aleisha O'Reilly.

Ms O'Reilly died during a routine training flight when the Cessna 152 crashed in Te Urewera National Park on Friday afternoon.

Her student, 19-year-old Chris Slee, survived the crash with only minor injuries and was able to walk out of the dense bush to raise the alarm.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said investigators have been on the scene since Saturday and will remove the plane from the crash site today.

Mr Sommer said the plane will be lifted out by a helicopter to a secure location where it can be more easily examined.

- NZ HERALD STAFF