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Squadron Leader Nick Cree - Source: ONE News -
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The pilot who died when his CT4 Airtrainer crashed on near Ohakea on Thursday was Squadron Leader Nicholas Haydn Cree, 32, a flight commander at the central training school.
Sqn Ldr Cree was one of five members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Red Checkers aerobatic team practising manoeuvres, when he crashed near the Raumai weapons range, in sand dune country west of Bulls in Manawatu, about 8am.
Chief of Air Force Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott says the team members were practising independently at the time. No explanation for the crash had been found at this stage.
AVM Lintott described Sqn Ldr Cree as a talented, experienced pilot and new father to a son.
Since joining the air force as a trainee pilot in 1996 he had served in the Solomon Islands, twice in East Timor and done a stint with the Singaporean Air Force.
"He loved flying and he was one of our most talented and experienced flying instructors," AVM Lintott says.
Sqn Ldr Cree was a flight commander at the Central Flying School Ohakea and an A category instructor.
He instructed students on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, but did most of his flying on helicopters.
AVM Lintott and other officers who attended a press conference today were visibly shaken.
"We pride ourselves on safety this is just devastating," AVM Lintott says.
"Obviously our thoughts are with his wife and son, and other members of his family who are now face the loss of a loved one."
"Our focus now turns to Squadron Leader Cree's family, his Squadron colleagues, and many friends throughout the NZDF and elsewhere. Our people have been with the family since this morning and we will continue to support them in any way we can."
The crash will be investigated. Meanwhile, the crash site is under guard.
Thursday's crash was the second death to hit the air force in less than two months.
On November 19 Flight Sergeant Andrew Forster, 46, was killed by an artillery shell which exploded at Waiouru Military Camp.
A colleague standing next to him survived, suffering only minor scratches.
Condolences
Prime Minister John Key has expressed his sympathy for Cree's family, friends and colleagues.
"It is particularly saddening to learn a pilot died while practising aerial display manoeuvres - a spectacle which entertains thousands of New Zealanders over the summer months," Key says.
"The Red Checkers are our air force's only aerobatic team and their reputation and skills are first-class.
"The Royal New Zealand Air Force's safety record is excellent - but there are always dangers when flying and, regrettably, they can claim the lives of even the very best of our pilots."
Key says the accident serves to remind New Zealanders defence
force members, both in New Zealand and overseas, regularly put
their lives at risk.
The Labour Party is also sympathising with the family of Cree.
Leader Phil Goff says he and the Labour team would like to offer the deepest of sympathies to Squadron Leader Cree's family, friends, colleagues and the wider defence community for their loss.
He says his death reinforces our defence force personnel put their lives at risk as they undertake the many tasks and duties their role entails.
History
The Air Force has been flying Airtrainers since 1976, when the first New Zealand-built aircraft entered service as a basic trainer. It replaced the original aircraft in 1998 and 1999 with 13 leased aircraft.
The 7.1 metre long aircraft had a 300hp engine giving it a cruise speed 278kmh and a maximum speed of 386kmh. It could fly at altitudes of up to 5.5km, with a maximum range of 1000km.
The Central Flying School has had formation aerobatic teams since the end of World War 2.
The name Red Checkers was first used in 1967 and the aerobatic team used Harvard aircraft until 1973.
The Red Checkers were disbanded in 1973 because of the fuel crisis but reformed in the 1980s.
When they were first put into service the aircraft had a red tail section and wings and a grey fuselage but were repainted bright yellow in 1996.
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