Tragedy at Omaka as loved local man dies

Paula Hulburt

Pic cap: Martin Pattie died on Saturday afternoon after a crash at Omaka Airfield. Photo: Supplied

A Marlborough man has died after a gyrocopter crash at Omaka Airfield.

Well-known Seddon farmer Martin Pattie was killed after the gyrocopter he was piloting crashed at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim on Saturday.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the closely knit community where Martin has lived and worked for decades.

He was a highly regarded and universally liked community stalwart who had a heart of gold, says one resident.

He ran Glencairn, an 810-hectare sheep breeding and stud farm located in the Tetley Brook Valley. The farm also runs its own merino clothing line, Mini Merino.

Paying tribute to Martin on social media, Seddon Lions Club said Martin was a key member of the club as well as being involved in a number of other local organisations.

He was a member of the RSA and the Flaxbourne A&P show committee where he was Chairperson.

Martin Pattie was a key part of the Seddon and wider community. Photo: Supplied

Flaxbourne A & P show members said their thoughts were with Martin’s family.

The tragedy occurred shortly before 1:20pm on Saturday at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim.

Emergency services rushed to the scene with police, fire and ambulance all in attendance.

The sole occupant of the aircraft has sadly died, a police spokesperson has confirmed.

The Marlborough Aero Club was closed on Sunday after the fatal accident.

In a social media post, chief Flying Instructor Ben Morris said a scene examination was being carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The club was kept closed to help police and investigators use the facilities free of distractions.

"We can confirm that the fatal aircraft accident that occurred at Omaka was a private operation not associated with the Aero Club nor was it an Aero Club aircraft.

“It is important to remember that there has been a fatality and it is most important that we allow the investigation authorities to do their job freely of obstruction.

“I appreciate everybody’s cooperation and respect to the individual involved by way of allowing the process to run its course.”

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