The New Zealand Air Force's elite Red Checkers flying squad has been grounded again following another safety incident during a training session.
Two of the aerobatic display team's CT-4E air trainers touched each other while flying above the Ohakea base on Monday morning.
The canopy of one plane nudged the wheel of another, cracking its perspex. Both planes were able to land safely, but the Air Force has grounded the squad for the rest of the season.
One of the pilots involved is being trained to take the place of Squadron Leader Nick Cree, 32, who died when his air trainer crashed in January this year.
Group Captain Stephen Davies Howard says Mr Cree's replacement was flying one of the planes at the time of the incident.
He says the pilots controlled the situation, conducting a low-speed handling check and landed safely about 9.30am.
The Air Force is investigating the incident. An inquiry into the death of Squadron Leader Cree is continuing.
The Red Checkers squad was grounded at the time of the fatal crash in January, but the planes were checked for faults and eventually allowed to fly again.
