23 Dec 2010

No recommendations over microlight crash

9:07 pm on 23 December 2010

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has made no safety recommendations in a report on the fatal crash of a microlight aircraft near Nelson last February.

The pilot and passenger of a hang glider-type machine died when it plunged into the Abel Tasman National Park while on a scenic flight.

The commission says the crash was probably the first in New Zealand involving a commercial microlight flight.

The commission says the pilot held a commercial licence, but the operators were not certified.

However, the commission says certification will be required for adventure flying under a new Civil Aviation rule to be introduced next year.