Pilot may have turned off microlight before crash

The pilot of a microlight probably turned off the engine moments before it crashed, killing its occupants, a report out today says.

Hamilton men Glenn Kennedy, 46, the pilot, and Jonathon Rhind, 22, died near Kopu, 6km southeast of Thames, on Christmas Day 2002.

The Civil Aviation Authority says it is likely Mr Kennedy turned off the engine to practise or demonstrate a forced landing but that theory cannot be proved.

The report suggests the aircraft stalled and could not maintain sufficient airspeed to remain in flight.

Mr Kennedy's wife, Jilliene, has told the Waikato Times the report could not be conclusive about the causes of the crash. "No one will ever really know," she said.

Witnesses told air investigators of strong winds the day of the crash. One farmer said the microlight appeared to be struggling against wind gusts before it spiralled down.

The Bantam microlight, manufactured by Te Kowhai-based Micro Aviation New Zealand, gives little warning of an impending stall, the report says.

The authority has asked the Recreation Aircraft Association of New Zealand to continue training its members in emergency procedures "in a controlled environment and under appropriate supervision".

- NZPA