Investigators clear PM's flight crew

An Air Force investigation into an incident involving a Kingair aircraft carrying Prime Minister Helen Clark has found rules were followed.

The Kingair is often used to fly Helen Clark and other ministers to official functions.

On January 23 the aircraft flew her to Hokitika but two attempts to land were aborted before it landed in low visibility.

Witnesses were concerned, a complaint was laid and the investigation was launched.

Yesterday, Air Force flight safety officer Flight Lieutenant Lisa D'Oliveira said the investigation found the instrument approaches and missed approaches were conducted professionally and Civil Aviation Authority procedures were followed. Also, the subsequent visual circuit was also done safely.

"The aircraft was flown by a very experienced and qualified crew who were well placed to make appropriate decisions."

In January Helen Clark said she had great faith in the operational judgment of Air Force pilots.

- NZPA