NZ pilot killed in Aussie crash

Mansell died in an accident in Australia. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A Kiwi helicopter pilot who survived a serious crash two years ago has been killed in near-identical circumstances in an accident in Australia.

Father-of-two Chris Mansell died when his chopper hit power lines and plunged into a pine plantation while spraying in the Gippsland area of Victoria, about 160km east of Melbourne.

In September 2008 Mansell cheated death when his Robinson 44 chopper hit power lines while spraying between Napier and Puketitiri, and crashed about 15m to the ground.

He suffered severe injuries including a broken arm, punctured lung, and burns.

The 50-year-old, who ran his own chopper business in Hastings, had been on a two-week contract for an Australian company when the fatal accident happened.

Former colleagues yesterday paid tribute to Mansell, who is survived by his partner Paula Walton, and the couple's two children, aged 7 and 11.

Mike Toogood, the managing director of Skyline Aviation in Hawke's Bay, said: "It's pretty devastating, particularly after the earlier crash, and it's hard to comprehend that he's met his fate in such a similar situation."

Mansell was a "very, very, competent" pilot who had flown many different types of helicopters around the world.

He had worked for the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust for the past five years.

Toogood said wires were very difficult for pilots to see, especially when they were not used to the surroundings.

Five months after surviving the first crash, Mansell spoke of his determination to get back to flying.

He told Hawke's Bay Today his rehabilitation had been a long process, but was able to get back in the cockpit later that year.

He had recently passed competency tests to fly the Hawke's Bay service's new BK117, and had flown hundreds of rescue missions.

He had saved many lives through his work and would often check up on patients during his free time.

Toogood said their immediate priority was to bring Mansell home to his family as soon as possible.