RCCNZ coordinates emergency landing of aircraft

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand coordinated the emergency landing of a Piper Aztec aircraft at Paraparaumu Airport which had the Prime Minister on board, this morning.

At 8.59am, when the aircraft was just five miles away from landing, the RCCNZ received a mayday distress call relayed by Airways Corporation in Christchurch stating that the aircraft was making an emergency landing as the door of the aircraft was open.

RCCNZ Search and Rescue Controller Roger Brimacombe says with little time to respond, the Centre had to ensure Police and Fire Service were on the ground for the landing.

“This was a very high level emergency, but with very little time to take action there was very little we could do. With more time, we would have ensured there were rescue vessels along the coastline, and that a rescue helicopter was present. Thankfully the plane landed safely and all on board are safe and well,” he said.

The Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Accident Investigation Authority are investigating the incident.

ENDS

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