CAA's comments over crash still unclear

Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven says he is yet to clarify contradictory statements from Civil Aviation Authority chairman Ron Tannock and its director John Jones over the fatal 2003 Air Adventures crash.

Eight people died in the crash near Christchurch Airport.

Last month Mr Tannock appeared to take some responsibility for the crash, which he said could have been avoided if the CAA had strictly enforced its compliance regime.

But last week Mr Jones told MPs that officials could not have grounded Air Adventures without facing court action.

Mr Jones said he had looked back over the CAA's involvement with Air Adventures and there was nothing that would have given the agency enough ammunition to ground it.

Mr Duynhoven last week said he would be asking officials about the apparent contradiction and speaking to Mr Tannock or Mr Jones if necessary.

Today he told reporters he had made no progress. He was still awaiting a briefing paper from Transport Ministry officials. He did not know when he would receive it.

- NZPA