Microlight crash victims aircraft engineers

The two men who died when a microlight crashed near Loburn in North Canterbury on Tuesday were Richard John Jones, 22, and Andrew Douglas Kenneth McIlraith, 21. Both were aircraft engineers.

"Investigations are continuing as to which of the men was flying the plane," said Senior Sergeant Dick Pettet, of Rangiora.

Mr Jones and Mr McIlwraith died instantly when the Rangiora-based Rans Coyote 2 microlight hit the ground nose-first. Aviation authorities are studying wreckage.

Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club president Mike Sheffield said the microlight belonged to the club.

"We can't speculate on what happened. It's a mystery to everyone. If the engine cut out, the plane would have been able to land. It's made to glide."

Witness Bev Stewart, of Loburn, said she had a sinking feeling as the plane started to fall, apparently after engine failure. "It was shocking ... horrible."

Since 1989, 30 people have died in microlight crashes in New Zealand.

- NZPA