Popular Canadian pilot 'sadly missed' after crash

Wanaka-based pilot Keith Andrew MacKenzie has been remembered by his friends as a motivated high achiever with a passion for New Zealand and the outdoors.

Mr MacKenzie (29) of Ontario, Canada died on Sunday in a helicopter accident on Homestead Peak near Wanaka.

His passenger Jonathan Stein (61) of Portsmith, New Hampshire, in the US, also died in the crash 1500m above sea level in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Wanaka Helicopters director Simon Spencer-Bower and instructors Andy Clayton and Michael Coupland yesterday remembered Mr MacKenzie as a likeable, funny man who had become "part of the family".

Mr MacKenzie's employer, Edgewater Hotel general manager Leigh Stock, said the Canadian was a dedicated, popular staff member who worked in the bar and restaurant and did maintenance, and would be sadly missed.

"He was quite special. He was like an artist, very good with his hands. He was building a table for the barbecue area in his own time and finished it last week. We will get a plaque made up in memory of Keith," Mr Stock said.

Mr Stein is believed to have worked in sales as a director or executive and was travelling around New Zealand alone. He arrived at the hotel on Saturday night from Milford Sound.

It is believed the two men did not know each other before they met at the hotel, had a conversation and Mr MacKenzie invited Mr Stein to go flying with him.

Mr MacKenzie was flying a hired Robinson 22 helicopter owned by Wanaka Helicopters, building up his hours towards his commercial pilot's licence. He got his private helicopter licence in August.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES