NZ man dies in Aust helicopter crash

A New Zealander living in South Australia was killed in a helicopter crash on Monday.

Rhys Kirwan, 29, formerly of Canterbury, died when the helicopter he was flying apparently hit powerlines and crashed into a pine plantation in the Victorian town of Langkoop, north of Mt Gambier, The Press reported.

Mr Kirwan formerly lived at Leithfield Beach, around 20km northeast of Rangiora, but moved to Australia around 10 years ago.

His parents have flown to Australia.

Police said Mr Kirwan had been spraying the pine plantation and appeared to have clipped powerlines.

Another pilot from the company found the wreckage 20 minutes later.

- NZPA