Other pilot 'showed no remorse' over collision - family

Flight instructor Jessica Neeson died in the collision. Photo / Supplied

The family of a flight instructor killed in a mid-air collision in Manawatu says the other pilot has shown no remorse.

Flight Training Manawatu chief instructor Jessica Neeson, 27, and Waikanae trainee pilot Patricia Smallman, 64, were killed when their Cessna 152 and another plane collided mid-air ove Feilding on July 26 last year.

The pilot of the other plane, 22-year-old Manoj Kadam, was able to land safely.

An inquest opened on Wednesday in Palmerston North so coroner Tim Scott could hear evidence from Mr Kadam who is returning to India soon and not available to give evidence at the full inquest to be held later this year.

At the hearing, Jessica Neeson's mother, Lyn, produced a letter written by Brad Venter from the Avstar Flight School in South Africa, where Mr Kadam has previously trained.

The letter said Mr Kadam had failed exams and left the school because he did not like its high expectations. Mr Kadam rejected those claims.

Speaking outside the court, Mrs Neeson said it was difficult seeing Mr Kadam.

"My sons and husband had met him before and we were astounded at his lack of remorse or lack of feeling at that early stage and still now," she told The Manawatu Standard.

"(There was) not even any sense that he might have been a party to the accident."

But Mr Kadam did express sorrow when he spoke briefly to reporters after the hearing.

"I'm feeling this is the worst thing (that's) happened in my life ever, so I am feeling terribly sorry for this," he said.

Mrs Neeson said she hoped the inquest's findings would help bring changes to the aviation industry.

The full inquest will be held once the Transport Accident Investigation Commission releases its findings, which may not be until October.

- NZPA