Police officer and veteran pilot named as victims of microlight crash

Microlight crash victim Alfred Jack Mehlhopt trying to fly a bamboo and bicycle tubing aeroplane in 2003. He was described as an experienced pilot. Photo / Getty Images

A senior police officer and a veteran pilot have been named as the two victims of a microlight crash in Canterbury.

Senior Sergeant Hohi "Randel" Tikitiki, 51, and Alfred "Jack" Mehlhopt, 86, had set off on a routine training flight from Richard Pearse Airport, Timaru, at 7pm yesterday, but crashed 30 minutes later.

Their microlight, from the South Canterbury Microlight Club, crashed on farmland 11km north of Timaru.

Civil Aviation Authority investigators have warned it could take months to find out the cause of the crash.

The victims' families and Canterbury Police paid tribute to the two men today.

Canterbury Police District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said: "This tragic and sudden loss of life has rocked not only the community in Timaru but everyone at Canterbury Police.

"Randel was a valued friend and colleague to many in New Zealand Police and a respected member of the community in Timaru.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Canterbury Police are with the friends and families of Randel and Jack, two men who made a real difference to so many lives."

Mr Mehlhopt's family said they were extremely upset and that "Jack" would be missed by many.

"Jack was an extremely experienced aviator having held a Pilots Licence since the age of 16. Aviation was his lifelong passion. The fact he is never coming home again is something that is very hard to get your head around."

Mr Tikitiki's family described him as a "loving father of twin girls" and a "dedicated police officer".

CAA spokesman Mike Richards said two safety investigators would be examining the scene today.

"The investigators will concentrate first on gathering as much information as they can from any eye-witnesses and then proceed to form a picture of the environmental conditions at the time of the accident.

"Depending on what they find, the investigation could take many months to complete as it is quite common to require mechanical and electronic parts to be sent to manufactures testing centres.

"If any significant mechanical issues are identified as possible cause of the accident the CAA will issue immediate advice to the aviation community to help prevent a repeat of this unfortunate accident.

"However, it is far too early to speculate on what has happened here."

The owner of the farm where the microlight crashed said emergency services had covered up the scene. "It happened about three of four paddocks back from the house. [The wreck] has been covered over and there are a few cones with a tarpaulin on the outside," Mark Phillips said.

The deaths have been referred to the coroner.