Details of fatal gyrocopter crash under wraps while case before coroner

Friday, 5 December 2025

An investigation by aviation officials into the 2023 death of a gyrocopter pilot has been completed, but won’t be made public while the coroner is investigating.

Martin Pattie, 63, was killed in the October 21 crash at the Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim.

He was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which was privately owned.

The incident was referred to the Civil Aviation Authority, and it launched an investigation shortly after the fatal crash.

The authority sent two investigators to the scene to conduct the inquiry, which included interviews with first responders and any eyewitnesses to the incident.

A police spokesperson said the police had referred Pattie’s death to the coroner, where it remained an active file.

Two years on from the fatality, a Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said a copy of its investigation report was provided to the coroner at their request.

“As the matter is with the coroner, it’s not appropriate for us to share the report. We can share that the report did not find any safety lessons that would benefit the broader aviation community,“ the spokesperson said.

Pattie was well-known within rural circles in South Marlborough, and was described as a friendly, “larger-than-life” character.

He was heavily involved in the community, including the Seddon Lions Club and also served as president of the Flaxbourne A&P Show committee.