Pants caused chopper crash

The helicopter crash that killed two Twizel-based Department of Conservation (DOC) workers was caused by a pair of over-trousers flying from the machine’s cabin and becoming tangled in the tail rotor, investigators say.

DOC biodiversity ranger Scott Theobald, 59, and senior ranger Paul ‘Hondy’ Hondelink, 63, both based in Twizel, along with Wanaka-based pilot Nick Wallis, 38, died in the crash near Wanaka Airport on October 18.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has published an interim report into the crash. It found paint marks on the over-trousers matched the colour and profile of the tail rotor blades, and marks on a tail rotor blade matched a zip and dome connector on the over-trousers.

TAIC chief commissioner Jane Meares also said there were three incidents in the month prior, in which doors on the same Hughes 500 helicopter opened in flight.

Jonathan Wallis, the older brother of Nick Wallis and managing director of the family company The Alpine Group, said the unexplained door separation was concerning.

‘‘Since that accident in October, we have been made aware of numerous incidents of doors opening in-flight on the same aircraft make and model.’’

Meares said the October crash report highlighted the risk posed by loose items in the cabins of helicopters.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had taken action to remind aviation participants of the risk of loose items in the cabins of helicopters.

With regards to the previous occasions where the helicopter door had opened, TAIC recommended urgent action by the CAA director to remind aviation participants of the importance of reporting incidents in accordance with CAA rules.