Plane crash pair a ‘lovely couple’

Locals in the tiny district of Clutha are shocked and devastated by the death of a young couple in a plane crash.

Thomas John Evans, 30, and Jenna Frances Craig, 26, died after their Rans S6 microlight crashed at a farm at Kaka Pt in the Catlins, South Otago on Sunday.

The couple were both from the area, with Evans working at his family’s farm near Clydevale, and Craig as a sales representative for Fonterra’s Farm Source store in Balclutha. Evans also played for the Owaka premier rugby team.

Coach Steve Clement said he was “roped in” to play for the team this season. “We were in danger of not being able to put a team together because of a lack of a front row.

“Tom wasn’t a big guy, but he had a great technique . . . [he was] really strong and he did a lot of gym work — he kept himself really fit.”

Clement had previously . played rugby with Evans in the Clutha senior reserves team. “He was a general good bugger. “He was always willing to help out and was friendly and good-natured — just a good guy.”

Otago Aero Club chief flying instructor John Penno said Evans bought the plane from the club recently. Penno did not know Evans personally, but had been told the pair were “a lovely couple”.

Evans previously studied agriculture in England, at Harper Adams University.

Craig attended South Otago High School before beginning work in Balclutha.

Farm Source stores director Jason Minkhorst told the Herald they had closed the store yesterday as a mark

She was one of the stars, had massive potential. She’s been with us for several years, and all the farmers really liked her. Jason Minkhorst, Farm Source Balclutha director

of respect to Craig. He said staff needed the time to grieve a wellrespected and liked colleague.

“She was one of the stars, had massive potential. She’s been with us for several years, and all the farmers really liked her.

“The team’s absolutely devastated. Our farmers will understand why we had to shut for the day, we’re all so upset,” Minkhorst said.

“We’re just trying to give everyone as much support as we can.”

He said it was hard to do Craig justice, because it was still so raw.

“She was just so well-respected, by her peers, by farmers and customers.

“That’s probably as much as I can get out without crumbling at the moment.”

Steve Rogers, the Civil Aviation Authority investigator-in-charge, said CAA inspectors met police yesterday morning at the crash scene at a farm in Wright Rd, in Glenomaru Valley.

They were given an extensive briefing and a large selection of photographs of the wreckage.

The investigators searched for any clues to the possible cause of the accident and left the site about 5.45pm, he said.

A guard was on duty at the crash scene overnight. Investigators would return at 8.30am today for a detailed survey and were expected to complete the site work today.

The owner of the farm had been interviewed and more people were expected to be interviewed today.

“It is expected the data analysis and review of interviews and reports and police assistance will enable the authority to identify the possible cause or causes of the accident,” Rogers said. “However, it is far too early to speculate.”