Helicopter crashed in clear skies

Allan Munro, left, and Jason Wright died when their helicopter crashed into Bluff Harbour yesterday. Photos / Supplied

The flight instructor who died in a helicopter crash "ate, drank and slept" aviation, a friend says.

Searchers found the bodies of instructor Jason Wright, 29, and Allan Munro, 67, in Bluff Harbour yesterday. The Robinson 22 helicopter was intact but submerged in the harbour.

Mr Wright's friend and long-standing employee, Michael Clarke, said his boss had flown most of the people on Stewart Island at least once and will be sorely missed.

"There's a dark cloud hanging over Bluff, even though it is the most beautiful, sunny day that you could imagine," Mr Clarke said.

He said Mr Wright was used to flying in the harsh southern climate but on Thursday, the day his helicopter went missing, it was sunny.

He said Mr Wright was dedicated and passionate about aviation.

"He died doing what he loved doing."

Mr Wright, chief executive of Stewart Island Helicopters, had flown since he was 14.

He had been an instructor for the past eight years.

Mr Clarke likened him to the drill sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. - "He had very colourful language but was very funny and very hard."

Police are yet to formally identify the pair.

About 40 search and rescue staff were involved with the search which covered a 1250sq km area between Invercargill and Bluff.

Helicopters with night vision equipment searched late into the night on Thursday.

The cause of the crash will be investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority and the deaths will be referred to the coroner.