A civil Aviation Authority investigation into a fatal helicopter crash in the Mt Aspiring Park more than two years ago is not finished, CAA communications manager Bill Sommer confirmed yesterday.
The accident, on March 5, 2006, killed Wanaka-based pilot Keith McKenzie (29), of Canada, and his passenger, American tourist Jonathan Stein (61).
The men were taking a private sight-seeing flight in a Robinson 22 belonging to Wanaka Helicopters which crashed on Homestead Peak, near the Matukituki Valley.
The accident, which is believed to have killed both men instantly, caused a large tussock fire.
Mr Sommer declined to say what the sticking point was, but agreed that identifying the cause of the accident was always going to be very difficult.
‘‘Pinpointing the cause is always difficult when it is in a remote location, [with] no survivors, no witnesses and no data recorded,'' he said.
‘‘It turns into a forensic investigation.''
The chief investigator was in regular contact with the families of the deceased, he said.
The investigator had to finish his work and write up his report before releasing it to al parties for consultation.
No timeframe for the completion of the report was given because each investigation was different, Mr Sommer said.
