Pilot, passenger killed in Paekākāriki Hill helicopter crash were pest control contractors

Two pest control contractors died in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill on Wednesday. Photo / Alyse Wright

Two people who died in a helicopter crash near Wellington were pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully.

Both the pilot and a passenger died in the crash near Paekākāriki Hill on Wednesday morning.

The Transport Agency has now confirmed the two people were pest control contractors and WorkSafe has been notified. A witness had earlier told RNZ he understood the helicopter was involved in goat culling in the area.

The Transport Agency is providing support to those affected by the crash.

Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said earlier on Thursday that a significant recovery operation took place to recover both victims from the crash site.

Kapiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renee Perkins. Photo / Grace Odlum

“Police are working to formally confirm the identity of those who were recovered, but are unable to do so at this stage of the investigation,” Inspector Perkins said.

“Our thoughts remain with their families and friends at this time.”

A witness, who was first to reach the crash, said he was checking a body for vital signs as the Westpac rescue chopper arrived.

He said he could not find any sign of life before he made the call to get clear of the aircraft.

The man said the Westpac crew soon spotted another body in thick scrub, on steep terrain some distance from the wreckage.

Cordons remain in place around the Battle Hill campground while police examine the scene.

Civil Aviation Authority investigators have completed their preliminary scene examination.

-RNZ