Images: Aircraft Threatens Attack On SkyTower

A Piper Cherokee aircraft taken from Ardmore Aerodrome’s Massy University flying school crashed into the sea off Kohimarama beach last night. Police allege the pilot had threatened to crash the aircraft into Auckland’s Sky Tower.

The aircraft was spotted circling Sky Tower around 9pm and reportedly flew close to SkyCity’s Orbit Restaurant. Police were communicating with the pilot over air-radio-telephone.

Diners and visitors to the Sky Tower were evacuated.

At around 9:40pm the aircraft, which was being tracked by Police helicopter, crashed into the sea.

Police officers swam out to the wrecked aircraft and rescued the pilot.

A man was taken by police to Auckland Hospital - his remains in a serious but not critical condition.

Meanwhile a gale force storm lashed Auckland overnight driving boats and yachts ashore.

ENDS

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