The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand (AOPANZ) says its members are "deeply upset" over a fatal crash involving a light aircraft which participated in the association's annual Autumn Fly-in.
One person died and another was flown to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition after the crash near Lake Hāwea yesterday afternoon.
Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre said the plane crashed in the Dingleburn Valley, on the eastern side of the lake.
Emergency services were called about 1.30pm.
Police this morning confirmed that one person had been killed and another critically injured.
The injured person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital.
A scene guard was in place overnight and police said they would be making inquiries on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority and the coroner.
AOPANZ president Sue Kronfeld told RNZ said the aircraft was among those which had been flown from around the country to be a part of the association's event over the weekend.
"The association and its members are shocked and deeply upset by news of the crash. Our deepest sympathies go out to the loved ones of those who were on board.
"We can't speculate on what has gone wrong. The cause of the crash is now for the police and aviation authorities to investigate. AOPANZ will assist the authorities in any way requested," Kronfeld said.
A scene guard was placed at the crash site overnight and the Civil Aviation Authority was investigating.
A Queenstown rescue helicopter initially went to the scene yesterday, then another helicopter responded carrying Fire and Emergency NZ firefighters to assist.
"Due to the state of the plane, rescue crews were assisted by Fire and Emergency NZ personnel, who brought cutting equipment to the scene," he said.
The injured person was removed from the plane about 3.45pm.
- RNZ/Laine Priestley
