Monday, October 24, 2011

Inquest into fatal midair crash - New Zealand

James Taylor

Bevan Hookway

An inquest into a fatal midair collision between a helicopter and a light plane over Paraparaumu in 2008 is to start today.

Wellington regional coroner Ian Smith is to look at issues surrounding the crash.

Trainee helicopter pilot James Taylor, 19, was taking his final flight test with examiner Dave Fielding, 30, when their helicopter and a Cessna 521 flown by 17-year-old schoolboy Bevan Hookway collided.

The helicopter fell through the roof of Paraparaumu's Placemakers store, just missing staff and customers, while the plane's fuselage landed about 250 metres away.

Mr Fielding and Mr Taylor were killed instantly. Mr Hookway died five hours later in hospital.

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