Police have released the name of a pilot who has been missing since his helicopter was thought to have crashed into Lake Sumner in north Canterbury yesterday.
Michael Graeme Mehrtens, 35, of Rangiora, was the only occupant of the helicopter believed to have crashed into deep water near Breaksea Bay yesterday afternoon.
He was understood to have been spraying the area for gorse when the crash occurred.
According to the company's website, Mr Mehrtens joined as an agricultural pilot, with 3500 hours of helicopter flying time.
"While Mike continues to operate in the agricutural sector, he is enjoying the variety offered by building his experience further in air transport,'' it says.
