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A 19-year-old pilot was lucky to escape uninjured this afternoon after an unexpected wind change caused his plane to drop suddenly and skid for 30 metres at Kaikoura landing strip.
Senior constable Andy Watson told NZPA the pilot, with over 130 hours flying time, had flown to Kaikoura from Christchurch and was landing when the wind change caused the plane to drop suddenly.
"He managed to regain control, but landed hard before shooting off into nearby marsh and scrub for about 30 metres before coming to a stand still."
The plane was a Tomahawk Piper owned by the Canterbury Aero Club.
"It's just one of those things that comes with flying," Mr Watson said.
"There was nothing the pilot could have done differently in the circumstances. He did very well and is just lucky not to be injured."
The teenage pilot, who holds a private pilot's licence, arrived in Kaikoura with another pilot in a separate plane and will return to Christchurch with him.
- NZPA
