Funeral flight formation for 'exceptional' pilot who died in cockpit

Ann Barbarich. Photo / File, Supplied

An honour guard of Air New Zealand flight crew and a Warbirds "missing man" formation concluded the funeral in Auckland today of pilot Ann Barbarich, who died after suffering a suspected brain aneurysm at the controls of a plane, after landing in Perth.

Ann Barbarich, a pilot for 27 years and one of the first women to fly for Air New Zealand, had just guided the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on to the tarmac with 233 passengers on board.

One of three other pilots in the cockpit took control, taxiing the plane to the gate, while the others went to Ms Barbarich's aid.

At the funeral service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, her husband, Michael Bacher, said "Captain Annie" had an exceptional life and was the kindest, most loving partner, and a dedicated mother.

Colleagues referred to her competence and passion for skydiving, gliding and flying, particularly the Boeing 747.

Daughter Bianca Barbarich-Bacher said she had been on a 747 flight to San Francisco with her mother. "I loved seeing mum in her element, the flying queen of the skies."

Colleagues turned out in full uniform when her body arrived at Auckland Airport six days after her death. Captain Barbarich's family accompanied her on the flight back from Australia, as did the pilots who were on the flight deck when she fell ill.

Aviation body CTC Aviation earlier paid tribute to Captain Barbarich.

"As one of the earliest women to join Air New Zealand, Ann was well-known and a friend to many of our senior staff," said Peter Stockwell, CTC chief operating officer.

He said Captain Barbarich was very well-known in the industry, and "a great role model for women in aviation".

Instead of flowers, the family asked for donations to be made to children's charity Koru Care.