Lookout! – Issue 15
21 December 2009
Guidance notice – Issue 17:
Long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) equipment testing
21 December 2009
16 November 2006: 6.30am
Four fixed-wing aircraft and one helicopter began searching at first light for a powered glider that was reported missing last night from an event in the lower South Island.
The searchers will be looking for visual signs of the glider and attempting to pick up any radio communication or distress beacon signal.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) Mission Coordinator Keith Allen says although concern is growing search conditions are good this morning.
“There’s a fair amount of wind but good clear visibility.
“We are getting some great help from the gliding community and have got some very experienced searchers up looking so we are doing all we can to find these people.”
There are two people on board the glider but no further details can currently be released.
Further information will be released as it comes to hand. The search area centres on Omarama and stretches from Kurow in the west, east to Lake Wanaka; and from Aoraki Mount Cook in the north, south to Cromwell.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318