Mt Aspiring National Park helicopter crash kills two people on hunting trip: Chopper was chartered from Wallis company

A helicopter that crashed in Mt Aspiring National Park yesterday, killing two people on a hunting trip, was reportedly chartered from the pioneering Wānaka-based Wallis family’s Alpine Helicopters.

Emergency services received reports of the incident at about 9.50am.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Waugh of Cromwell CIB last night 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 Otago Daily Times is reporting that the helicopter was from Alpine Helicopters, owned by members of the Wallis family, with Toby Wallis as 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.

Maritime NZ’s rescue coordination centre confirmed it was the lead agency in response to yesterday’s crash.

“We want to thank the agencies that provided support during this response,” Maritime NZ said in a statement.

“This was a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by what happened this morning.”

Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre has since handed responsibility for the response to the police.

The two deaths have been referred to the Coroner. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission have also been notified.

The CAA confirmed it was making initial enquiries to understand the circumstances of the crash and liaising with other agencies involved.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected at this difficult time,” a CAA spokesperson said.

The CAA spokesperson said it would not be appropriate to comment further while the enquiries are underway.