Emergency services, including a NZDF aircraft, are involved in an emergency operation tonight at Tasman Bay, near Nelson.
Emergency services, including a NZDF aircraft, are involved in an emergency operation tonight at Tasman Bay, near Nelson.
A pilot has been rescued tonight from Tasman Bay after ditching his aircraft into water off the coast of Nelson when it suffered engine failure.
He was forced to land in water and was winched to safety by a rescue helicopter and is now being flown to Nelson Hospital.
It’s understood multiple helicopters and at least one Air Force aircraft are involved in the operation.
“Police are responding to Ruby Bay following a report of a light plane crash landing off the coast of Tasman, reported around 7.30pm,” a police spokesperson said.
He said the pilot did a great job and did everything right.
”His training has come to fruition.”
The Rescue Coordination Centre NZ has issued a statement.
“The pilot of a light plane that ditched in Tasman Bay 42km north of Nelson has been safely winched from the water by the GCH Nelson Rescue Helicopter.
“The pilot was the only person on board and is now being flown to Nelson Hospital.”
Flight tracker image showing a rescue helicopter responding to an incident in Tasman Bay, east of Separation Point.
RCCNZ was notified of the crash about 7.30pm.
Rescue helicopters from Nelson and Wellington, as well as a NZDF P-8A Poseidon that was en route from Christchurch to Ōhakea were tasked. Coastguard Nelson and two harbourmaster vessels were also sent to the scene. They have all since been stood down.
The New Zealand Defence Force said it preparing a statement.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it is also aware of the incident but was unable to provide any information.
