Two seriously injured in light plane runway crash near Murchison

Saturday, 13 August 2022

Two people are seriously injured after a light plane crash on a private runway in the Tasman region.

A spokesperson for the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand an aircraft locator beacon was activated at about 3.30pm and there were also distress calls from the aircraft.

Two people have suffered serious injuries and were taken by helicopter to Nelson Hospital, the spokesperson said.

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A Murchison helicopter was first on the scene, and two rescue helicopters, Garden City Nelson and Garden City Greymouth were also dispatched.

The matter has now been referred to the Civil Aviation Authority.

A police spokesperson said police received second-hand information of a mayday call around 3.30pm in the Murchison area and a light plane had crashed off the end of a private runway.