Regarding the aircraft missing on Mt Taranaki

Simon Palmer, chief executive of Flight Corporation, a Nelson-based charter flight operator, wishes to confirm that a Piper Seneca aircraft belonging to his company is missing, believed to have crashed, in the vicinity of Mt Taranaki. The aircraft was on a charter returning to Nelson from New Plymouth this morning when the accident happened.

“I’m totally devastated. While the danger of accident is ever present in the air industry, this company has had a completely accident-free record since it was set up in 1991. The pilot of the Seneca is not only a valued employee, but a close friend. He is also a very experienced and competent pilot.

“In particular, I am concerned for his family and that of the passenger on the flight. I have made contact with both families to express my concern and offer any help or support I can give them.

“As a small company we all work closely together and have a strong safety culture. We are a local air ambulance operator and understand the need for high performance standards.

“We are not in a position to know what has happened and just have to wait and see. I would like to express my gratitude to the Police and rescue services who are working hard to reach the aircraft”, says Mr Palmer.

Flight Corporation operates four aircraft from its Nelson base, with a staff of five.

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