Cause of plane crash likely months away

The Civil Aviation Authority says it could be months before investigators can say what caused a Manawatu plane crash that left two pilots severely injured.

The two-seater Air Hawke's Bay Piper Tomahawk - a low-winged aircraft typically used for training - was on a commercial pilot's licence training flight from Hastings Airport when it crashed in steep terrain in the Ruahine Ranges, north of Palmerston North, about 1pm on Monday.

The crash-landing left the plane wedged between two trees, saving it from rolling further down the steep hill.

Eighteen-year-old trainee pilot Sam Metzger and his 30-year-old instructor Gary Skedgwell were taken to Palmerston North Hospital, but Mr Skedgwell was transferred to Wellington Hospital after his condition worsened.

He remains unconscious in intensive care following brain surgery yesterday and further surgery for leg injuries today.

Mr Metzger, who suffered serious chest and leg injuries in the crash, is in intensive case, improving at Palmerston North Hospital.

The Civil Aviation Authority began their investigation at the crash site yesterday, inspecting the wreckage and had been able to discount engine failure as the cause of the crash.

Spokeswoman Emma Peel said today inspectors have yet to conclude the cause and won't comment further until they are ready to make a final report.

"When it's completed to their satisfaction and they are sure they've got an accurate picture of what happened, then they'll realise the information."

"And that varies in length. The quickest is one month or it can take years. It depends on the complexity of the accident. We've had accidents that have taken two years to finalise a safety report on," she said.

- NZPA