In the past ten weeks, the New Zealand agriculture aviation sector has experienced a significant increase in serious incidents, with five accidents and five incidents involving helicopters and planes spraying paddocks and forestry blocks.
The New Zealand Agriculture Aviation Association (NZAAA) views this as a serious wake-up call, attributing the incidents to pilot error or mechanical issues. The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating three of these incidents. NZAAA Chair Bruce Peterson emphasizes the importance of pilots taking their time and considering the potential risks before flying.
Listen hereNZ Herald//The County also published: Agricultural aviation: Spate of accidents prompts safety reminder for pilots by Sally Murphy [9 October 2024].