Gyrocopter crash investigation underway
Martin Pattie was killed after the gyrocopter he was piloting crashed near Omaka. Photo: Supplied
It will be many months before the cause of a gyrocopter crash that claimed the life of local pilot Martin Pattie is known.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an investigation into the fatal accident in which Martin, 63, died earlier this month.
Accident investigators have met with emergency responders from fire, ambulance and police who rushed to the scene at Omaka Airfield.
But with the investigation still in the very early stages, it is too soon to rule on any possible causes, says a CAA spokesperson.
“It is too early to determine what the cause or causes were that led to the accident.
“There won’t be anything now for quite some time. Our safety investigators look into the circumstances surrounding fatal accidents on behalf of the Director of Civil Aviation.
"The most important reason to do that is to learn any lessons the accident may have for the rest of the aviation community.”
Gyrocopters in New Zealand are registered as microlight aircraft and must undergo an annual condition check like a Warrant of Fitness for vehicles.
The New Zealand Autogyro Association says a pilot needs to have a microlight license with a Gyrocopter group endorsement to fly.
Martin was a keen flyer who was often spotted in the skies overhead.
Described by those who knew him as a great man with a heart of gold, his sudden death has left the Seddon community where he lived devastated.
A Funeral Service for Martin was held at the Awatere Memorial Hall, Seddon on Saturday followed by a private cremation.