November 23, 2005

Statement #2 Issued at 10.55 am - Super Air Incident

Super Air advises that the two employees on its missing Fletcher aerial top dressing aircraft flying between Kaikohe and Whangarei were based at Pukekohe.

The aircraft was performing a scheduled programme of work.

Flying out of Whangarei, the aircraft was aerial top dressing paddocks to the south east of Kaikohe.

The aircraft is carrying an emergency locator beacon. Maintenance records show that the beacon was last tested in Hamilton seven days ago and was working perfectly.

Super Air's policy is that it operates a "buddy" operating system where the pilots of its aircraft advise a nominated person of their flying intentions, and contact their "buddy" again at the end of the day.

The company was advised of the non return of its employees at 10.45pm last night by a family member of one of the employees. Super Air immediately contacted emergency services.

Before midnight the company had a private search in the air, with an helicopter flying along the projected route seeking to locate any signals from the emergency beacon. No signals were located.

We understand search and rescue commenced operations at dawn, and currently there is a combination of eight fixed wing aircraft and helicopters searching for our employees.

Our focus remains on locating our two employees, and a full investigation of this event will be held once that is accomplished.

ENDS

© Scoop Media