Missing helicopter pilot part of close knit team

Mike Mehrtens was spraying gorse in his Hughes 500 when he disappeared. Photo / Supplied

The company whose helicopter is believed to have crashed in North Canterbury says its missing pilot was a highly valued and much-respected employee.

Michael Graeme Mehrtens, 35, of Rangiora, was the only occupant of a Hughes 500 helicopter which crashed into deep water near Breaksea Bay at Lake Sumner on Monday afternoon. He was spraying the area for gorse when the crash occurred.

Searchers have so far turned up only a small amount of debris and an oil slick.

Rob Kittow, the principal of Way To Go Heliservices, confirmed yesterday that the chopper was one of his company's.

The company was supporting the search and rescue effort and co-operating with investigating authorities, he said.

Staff and friends were deeply shocked and were doing everything possible to support Mr Mehrtens' family and friends.

"We are a close-knit company and Mike was a highly valued and much-respected team member," Mr Kittow said. "The aircraft was on a routine agriculture operation and there is nothing at this stage to indicate the cause of the accident."

He said the company would carry out its own investigation.

"However, our immediate priorities are support for family and friends of the pilot."