Microlight pilot killed after hitting house

The pilot of microlight has been killed today after he crashed through a fence and into the side of a house at Koromatua, southwest of Hamilton.

Witnesses saw the Bantam B22 microlight suddenly lose speed and altitude as it flew north around 11.30 am.

It crashed through a 2m high fence on the property, narrowly missing power lines, before hitting the house.

The front of the microlight's was smashed in by the impact.

Hamilton police said they would not release the name of the 62-year-old male pilot until they had contacted next of kin.

Air safety inspectors were to examine the microlight this afternoon.