Pilot in hospital after take-off crash

The amphibious plane crash yesterday which has left a Tauranga pilot seriously injured happened during an attempted take-off from Lake Taupo, police said.

Early reports suggested the crash, which occurred about 8pm about 200m offshore from Two Mile Bay, happened during an attempted landing.

But Sergeant James McGrogan of Taupo Police said the crash occurred as the Seawing amphibious float plane, which was carrying the pilot, 60, and his wife, 57, was trying to take off from the water.

Some witness accounts suggested the plane had hit a wave before nose-diving into the lake and flipping over.

The man, 60, was taken to Taupo Hospital following the crash but was later airlifted to Waikato Hospital in Hamilton due to the serious nature of his injuries.

Mr McGrogan last night described the man's injuries as life-threatening. The man's wife was taken to Taupo Hospital with minor injuries to her face.

Several people were in the area on their boats and immediately went to the crash scene to rescue the plane's two occupants.

The plane was towed to shore by the Taupo Coastguard and will be examined by the Civil Aviation Authority.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)