The southern pilot community is in shock after a light plane crash near Lake Hāwea left one person dead and another in a critical condition.
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the cause of the fatal crash.
The plane was taking part in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand’s (AOPANZ) Autumn Fly-In, based at the Ōmārama Airfield.
Emergency services were called to the downed plane about 1.30pm on Saturday and firefighters were flown to the scene.
A Central Otago man had to be cut from the wreckage of the plane, which crashed in a remote part of the Dingleburn Valley on the eastern side of the lake.
He was flown to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.
No update on his condition was available last night.
Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow general manager Ed Taylor said the pilot community was in shock about what happened.
He did not know who the person who died was, but said the other man was "a fabulous guy".
AOPANZ president Sue Kronfeld said its members were "deeply upset" by the crash.
The aircraft was among those that had 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 would help the authorities in any way asked, she said.
