KEY POINTS:
The family of a missing helicopter pilot suspected of crashing in Lake Wanaka on Saturday are going through a tough time but are resilient and well-supported, police say.
Morgan Saxton, 31, was last seen in a Robinson R22 helicopter near Minaret Station towards the northern end of Lake Wanaka, about 6pm on Saturday.
Searchers yesterday found an oil slick near Mou Waho Island and debris from the helicopter, including a helmet and flight jacket.
Police took over this morning, after the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) suspended its search last night.
Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw said police were working hard for Saxton's family who were going through an "incredibly tough time".
"They are a very resilient family," he told Radio New Zealand.
"They are well supported by both the aviation, agricultural and the tourism industry, but it is very difficult for them and our sympathies go out to them."
Police were today consulting with the police dive squad and navy divers.
"There's still a remote possibility that Morgan's made it to the shore and we are covering that contingency today with shoreline searches, jet boat searches close in...supported by helicopter, but our emphasis really today is to get some heavy commercial platform above the site where the oil slick is."
A dive would be "deep and difficult" and police were considering using remote equipment to help locate the wreckage in the lake, which ranged in depth from about 80 to 230 metres, he said.
"We will be getting some expert advice to see what we can achieve to try and bring a successful conclusion."
Saxton had been on a flight to reposition the helicopter from south Westland to central Otago, because there was a frost watch on overnight and he anticipated doing a frost fight the following morning, Mr Shaw said.
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.
Saxton is on bail, pending appeal, after he and his father, David, were jailed for more than two years in February, after being found guilty of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of Ngai Tahu greenstone from south Westland.
Both men are respected rescue pilots, credited with many rescue missions.
- NZPA
