Trial of Ansett Dash 8 pilot begins

The trial has begun of the pilot of the Ansett Dash 8 aircraft which crashed near Palmerston North almost six years ago.

Gary Sotheran is standing trial in the High Court in Palmerston North where he faces four counts of manslaughter, and three of injuring passengers through an unlawful act.

Most of the first day is expected to be taken up with pre-trial applications before Justice Gendall in closed court.

The trial is set down for six weeks.