Two hurt in light aeroplane crash
Both treated at the scene by St John Ambulance staff
TThe plane was a “Jodel-11 amateur-built aircraft” and it was being removed yesterday.
wo people were injured, one seriously, in a plane crash at Tokoroa Airfield yesterday. Emergency services were called to the airfield on Moffat Rd at around 12.25pm.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said a small plane had crashed and two people were injured. Two appliances were sent.
A St John ambulance crew treated one patient who was in a moderate condition and one in a serious condition, a spokeswoman said.
Both patients were transported to Waikato Hospital.
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson said the incident had been reported to its safety investigation team, which was getting further details from police.
The plane was a “Jodel-11 amateur-built aircraft” and it was being removed yesterday, the spokeswoman said.
The Civil Aviation Authority would continue to work with the pilot and aerodrome operator over the next few days.
The aerodrome would be closed so that investigations and inspections could be completed.
A South Waikato District Council spokesperson said the airfield was closed until further notice.
Council staff were liaising with police. The council owns the airfield.
A Notice to Airmen was in place and “white crosses had been placed on the airfield as an additional safety measure,” the spokesperson said.
A notice can be issued about any change to airspace, aerodromes or hazards that require immediate notification, according to Civil Aviation Authority documentation.
Rachel Meerkerk, who works at nearby Blue Pacific Minerals, said she had heard “a lot of sirens” in the area.
A Rotorua Daily Post photographer said a cordon had been set up on Moffat Rd, which leads to the airfield. He had seen emergency service vehicles at the scene, including an ambulance.
Tokoroa Airfield is located at Amisfield, just south of Tokoroa township.