Police still in doubt about how hunter fell to death

It is still not clear how American hunter Clifford Senter fell to his death in the Southern Alps.

Wanaka police are unable to confirm whether the 57-year-old slipped down a steep bluff as he left a helicopter or lost his footing after leaving the machine.

The Civil Aviation Authority has appointed Harold Carter to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Senter, from Plaistow, New Hampshire, fell 300m down a steep bluff while hunting for chamois after the helicopter had delivered his hunting party of three to a ledge in the Albert Burn Valley on Monday.

Detective Constable Derek Shaw, of Wanaka, said Mr Senter was the second member of the hunting party to leave the helicopter after guide Rachel Stewart, of Leithen Valley Trophy Hunts.

Mr Shaw said the police were still trying to find exactly where Mr Senter had fallen.

Witnesses would need to be questioned again before any recommendation could be made to the coroner.

Civil Aviation Authority communications adviser Bill Sommer said Mr Carter would conduct a routine investigation from Wellington focused on the standard accident form filled out by operators after any flying accident.

Mountain guide Gary Dickson, said the ledge was a normal drop-off area.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES