7 Feb 2023

Emergency services respond to reports of Taranaki microlight crash, one dead

3:58 pm on 7 February 2023
The scene of a microlight crash on 7 February, 2023, in a paddock north of the Stratford Aerodrome on Flint Road.

The scene of a microlight crash in a paddock north of the Stratford Aerodrome on Flint Road. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

The sole occupant of a microlight craft that crashed in Taranaki this afternoon has been confirmed dead.

Police were notified of the crash at about 11.45am.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Drew Bennett, Taranaki CIB, said police where providing support to the family of the deceased, and extended their condolences to them.

"Police will support Civil Aviation Authority investigators and the Coroner in their investigations into the circumstances of the crash," he said.

Police and emergency services had attended the crash scene in a paddock north of the Stratford Aerodrome on Flint Rd.

After earlier being closed the road has now reopened.

The airstrip is 4km northeast of Stratford and owned by the district council.

A fire truck at the paddock where a microlight has crashed.

A fire truck in the paddock where a microlight has crashed. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin