Probe into crash at airport

The Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed it is investigating an incident at Timaru’s Richard Pearse Airport after an Airtourer 115 aircraft went through a boundary fence during an aborted takeoff.

The pilot and one passenger, onboard at the time of the incident on Tuesday afternoon, were not injured but the plane was damaged. .

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed it was investigating the incident yesterday.

‘‘The aircraft was trying to take off but aborted. Despite braking, the aircraft failed to stop and went through the boundary fence,’’ senior communications adviser Philippa Lagan said.

‘‘There was some damage to the aircraft but the pilot wasn’t injured,’’ she said.

South Canterbury Aero Club chief instructor Aaron Pearce said he would not comment on the matter as it was now in the hands of the CAA.

Yesterday, Lagan said the aircraft was an Airtourer 115, with a pilot and passenger on board.

The pilot couldn’t achieve the required performance for take-off so decided to abort take off, she said.

Lagan did not have further information about where the boundary fence was located.

The aircraft’s propeller and right wing were damaged, she said. ‘‘We’re working with the pilot on an investigation into this accident.

‘‘If there are safety lessons from this incident that would be useful for other pilots, we’ll let them know as soon as possible.’’

Lagan could not say how long it would take to complete the investigation.