A pilot who died in a helicopter crash at Mt Aspiring National Park has been remembered as “widely known and deeply respected” within the aviation industry.
Tributes have flooded in for pilot Tim Brown and guide Sean Roach, who were killed while the aircraft was conducting a guided hunting operation on Sunday.
Brown and Roach were the only two people on board the Alpine Helicopters’ chartered helicopter. Three others from the hunting group were on the ground.
A Givealittle set up by friends to support Brown’s family read that his death came as “a heartbreaking shock, leaving an immense void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him”.
“Tim was widely known and deeply respected throughout the aviation industry in both New Zealand and overseas,” the page says.
“He had a genuine passion for aviation, particularly within the agricultural and farming sector, where he built strong friendships and made a lasting impact on so many people throughout his career.”
Brown had “invested significantly into a new business venture”, which added another layer of uncertainty for his family.
“They now face both emotional and financial challenges while navigating life without him,” the page says.
“The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Tim’s family during this incredibly difficult time, helping to ease some of the pressures and challenges that lie ahead.
“While nothing can take away the heartbreak of losing Tim, we hope this support will help honour his legacy and provide some comfort, stability, and peace to his beloved family.”
Alpine Helicopters said yesterday that both Brown and Roach were “highly experienced and valued members of a close-knit team”.
“We are devastated to confirm that both pilot Tim Brown and guide Sean Roach were tragically killed,” Alpine Group Limited said in a statement to the Herald.
“Both were highly experienced and valued members of a close-knit team.
“The aircraft was conducting a guided hunting operation in clear and calm conditions at the time of the accident.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the New Zealand Police, Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, the Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue team, and all emergency services for their swift, professional, and clinical response to the accident.”
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are investigating the accident.
Alpine Group says they have “confidence in those investigations and will co-operate fully to determine exactly what happened”.
Emergency services received reports of the incident at about 9.50am on Sunday.
A TAIC spokesperson said a team had arrived in the region yesterday.
It is split into two groups, with one examining wreckage from the crash.
The other will speak with witnesses and gather accounts of the incident, the spokesperson said.
The investigators are expected to remain at the site for the next two to three days.
The wreckage had not yet been removed from the crash site, with the TAIC saying it will be done “when practicable”.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Waugh of Cromwell CIB confirmed that the helicopter was a chartered craft and the occupants were on a hunting trip.
“The two people who died were the sole occupants of the craft at the time,” she said.
“Three others from the hunting group were located on the ground and taken to safety. Our condolences go out to their loved ones, who we are providing support.”
The helicopter was from Alpine Helicopters, owned by members of the Wallis family, with Toby Wallis the chief executive and his older brother, Jonathan, the general manager.
In October 2018, another brother, Nick Wallis, 38, died when a machine he was piloting crashed. Department of Conservation employees Paul Hondelink, 63, and Scott Theobold, 59, both of Twizel, also died in the crash near Wānaka.
That crash came just three months after Nick Wallis’ fourth brother and fellow pilot, Matthew, 39, died in another helicopter crash.
The brothers are the two youngest sons of aviation legend Sir Tim Wallis, who died in 2023.
The two deaths have been referred to the Coroner.