Media Statement from Harris Mountains Heliski and The Helicopter Line

Mark Quickfall, Director of Harris Mountains Heliski (HMH) and The Helicopter Line, has today met with the wider ski group involved in yesterday’s heli ski incident near Wanaka.

Mr Quickfall has extended the company’s sincerest condolences to the group and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of deceased man, Mr Box. Mr Quickfall said he has been humbled by the group’s attitude toward the incident.

The meeting has enabled HMH representatives to discuss with the group what happened yesterday and to establish a point of contact with Mr Box’s wife to offer their support.

Representatives of HMH and The Helicopter Line met with Police and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) today. The investigators flew with the representatives to the crash site to begin the investigation. They will continue to co-operate fully and work with authorities as the investigation continues.

Mr Quickfall met with the two heli skiers that were treated at Wanaka Medical Centre yesterday and discharged, when he met with the wider group this morning. The remaining two injured heli ski clients have been discharged from Dunedin hospital today, along with the pilot. The guide remains in hospital overnight for observation and is expected to be discharged tomorrow.

HMH suspended operations today out of respect for the people involved in the incident and to enable their staff to regroup and ensure the guides and pilots are comfortable before operations resume.

It is anticipated HMH will resume full operations tomorrow (Monday 18 August).