Balloon crash: Up, up and away in memory

Bob and Merle Hopkirk with Canterbury pilot Michael Oakley (left) and crew. Photo / Geoff Walker, Strategic Communications

Family of some of the victims of New Zealand's worst ballooning tragedy have taken to the air.

Bob and Merle Hopkirk finally completed a hot air balloon flight in tribute to their son Stephen, who died in Carterton's balloon tragedy.

After bad weather initially scuppered plans, the couple took to the skies over Wairarapa on Friday.

The Hopkirks were waiting at home to greet Stephen on January 7, his 50th birthday, when they were told of the tragedy which claimed 11 lives.

Family of Valerie Bennett also took a memorial flight yesterday. Her son Gavin Bennett and his wife Nicky completed a flight as part of the Trust House Balloons Over Wairarapa.

Event organiser Lisa Sims said the experience had been positive. "I can't speak for them but they did genuinely seem to enjoy the occasion. They were able to learn about ballooning from the pilots, they were able to understand how the balloons work." After a short flight they toasted their landing with a glass of wine.

Meanwhile, an aviation engineer under investigation for failing to do proper safety checks on hot air balloons - including that which crashed and killed 11 in Carterton - is still on the job.

Civil Aviation Authority spokeswoman Emma Peel said the public should not be worried.

Authority director Steve Douglas grounded 16 balloons and started an investigation into the engineer, who works for Hawkes Bay Aviation, on February 29.

Douglas took action after the authority discovered the engineer used his individual experience and judgment, rather than using equipment and techniques in maintenance manuals. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is still investigating the cause of the balloon crash.

Hawkes Bay Aviation director Wattie Solomon would not speak to the Herald on Sunday, but a staff member confirmed the engineer was still working for the company. Asked why he was still able to work during the investigation, Peel said steps had been taken so no one was at risk.

"The CAA is confident that safety will not be affected. We've got something in place that I can't talk about."