Grateful dad to reward's pilot's rescuers with feast

Sam Metzger. Photo / Supplied

The family of an Auckland teenager involved in a plane crash last month is the reward his rescuers - by preparing a feast.

Trainee pilot Sam Metzger, 18, from Hawkes' Bay, and flight instructor Gary Skedgwell, 30, were seriously injured when the Piper Tomahawk they were in crashed in the Ruahine Ranges in the Manawatu on July 12.

Crews from the Square Trust, Helipro rescue helicopters and St John ambulance braved a steep and slippery hillside, and the threat of explosion, to save the men.

Sam suffered leg, pelvis, back, feet and ankle injuries, was transferred from Palmerston North Hospital to Auckland Hospital late last month.

His father, Nathan Metzger, who runs a catering company, told the Manawatu Standard that once his son was better, he planned to prepare a meal for everyone who helped rescue and care for him.

"As far as we are concerned, they saved Sam's life, so that's the least we can do."

Mr Skedgwell was discharged from Hawke's Bay Hospital two weeks ago and is recovering at home.

The cause of the crash is still being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

- NZPA