Went missing during fire fighting operations.  Located some hours later in 7m of water. Bodies of pilot John “Prickles” de Ridder and passenger William MacRae from Dept of Conservation have been confirmed by divers as being inside the helicopter.  Salt Air – Company statement here

Date:

30 November, 2011

Reg:

ZK-IMB

Make:

Eurocopter

Model:

AS350

MSN:

2396

Location:

Matai Bay

Country:

New Zealand

Civil / Military:

Civil

Operator:

Salt-Air

Link:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6065565/Fire-burns-down-homes-in-Northland

Link:

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyid=210061

Link:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10770069