Airman killed practising aerobatics

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott, here presenting a medal to Nick Cree in 2007, says the squadron leader, who died when his Airtrainer crashed yesterday, was one of the most talented flying instructors. Photo / NZDF

The pilot who died when his CT4 Airtrainer crashed near Ohakea yesterday was Squadron Leader Nicholas Haydn Cree, 32, a flight commander at the Central Training School.

Squadron Leader Cree was one of five members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Red Checkers aerobatic team practising manoeuvres when he crashed near the Raumai weapons range, in sand dune country west of Bulls in Manawatu, about 8am.

Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott said the team members were practising independently at the time. No explanation for the crash has been found at this stage.

The air vice-marshal described the squadron leader as a talented, experienced pilot and new father to a son.

Since joining the Air Force as a trainee pilot in 1996, Squadron Leader Cree had served in the Solomon Islands, twice in East Timor and done a stint with the Singaporean Air Force.

"He loved flying and he was one of our most talented and experienced flying instructors," Air Vice-Marshal Lintott said.

Squadron Leader Cree was a flight commander at the Central Flying School Ohakea and an A category instructor.

He instructed students on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, but did most of his flying on helicopters.

The Air Force has been flying Airtrainers since 1976, when the first New Zealand-built aircraft entered service as a basic trainer.

Prime Minister John Key expressed his sympathy for the squadron leader's family, friends and colleagues.

"It is particularly saddening to learn a pilot died while practising aerial display manoeuvres - a spectacle which entertains thousands of New Zealanders over the summer months. The Red Checkers are our Air Force's only aerobatic team and their reputation and skills are first-class."

The events served to remind New Zealanders that Defence Force members, here and overseas, regularly put their lives at risk, Mr Key said.

The death was the second to hit the Air Force in less than two months.

On November 19, Flight Sergeant Andrew Forster, 46, was killed by an artillery shell which exploded at Waiouru Military Camp.

- NZPA