Family 'devastated' air controller on phone during fatal crash

The family of a Kiwi helicopter pilot killed in an air crash in the United States say they are devastated after it was alleged an air traffic controller was on the telephone to his girlfriend when the crash happened.

US aviation authorities have suspended an air traffic controller who they say was chatting on the phone as New Zealand pilot Jeremy Clarke, 33, plunged into New York's Hudson River.

The Federal Aviation Administration has also removed the air controller's supervisor, who was out of the building while a light plane apparently flew into Mr Clarke's sightseeing flight in a midair collision that killed nine people.

Sarah Clarke, Mr Clarke's cousin, said last night that the family were "completely devastated" to learn of the alleged incident.

Three members of a Pennsylvania family on the plane and five Italian tourists being flown by Mr Clarke in the helicopter were killed when the two aircraft collided and plunged into the river.

The FAA said that there was no evidence that the air control employees' actions contributed to the accident, but such "conduct is unacceptable".

Air traffic controllers are expected to be alert at all times while on duty.

The two employees, who were not identified by the FAA, were placed on administrative leave with pay.

The FAA said that it had begun disciplinary proceedings against the controller who was handling thesmall plane that collided with the helicopter and against his supervisor.

The New York Daily News reported yesterday that the controller was talking to his fiance as the disaster took place.

National Transportation Safety Board and FAA investigators learned of the telephone conversationwhile examining recordings of telephone conversations on alandline phone in the tower that controllers use to communicate with other parts of the Teterboro Airport.

Miss Clarke said a funeral for Mr Clarke would be held in New Zealand next week but family members were still waiting for his body and that could delay their plans.

It was possible the funeral would be at his old school, Rosmini College on Auckland's North Shore, where a memorial service was held yesterday.

- additional reporting by NZPA