KEY POINTS:
The pilot of a plane that crashed in the Far North three years ago, killing a high-profile Swiss businessman, has been cleared of any blame.
Simon Vandenburg was flying a Cessna 172 on a charter flight from Kerikeri to Cape Reinga, on December 15, 2004, when he crashed while attempting an emergency landing on Coopers Beach, near Mangonui.
Heinrich Bossard, head of a Swiss company, died in the crash. His wife Silvia survived.
At the time Mr Vandenburg was praised for his actions but a year later he was charged by the Civil Aviation Authority with operating an aircraft carelessly, which he denied.
In a recently released reserved judgment following a hearing in Kaitaia District Court, Judge David Robinson cleared Mr Vandenburg.
He said Mr Vandenburg's decision to fly despite not receiving an up-to-date forecast was reasonable after hearing evidence that weather conditions both at Kerikeri and Cape Reinga were favourable.
- NZPA
