A Queenstown helicopter company owner whose son died in a helicopter crash near the resort last year has praised the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) for putting Robinson aircraft on its watchlist. "Four of our earlier recommendations made as a result of Robinson mast-bump accidents have yet to be actioned. "We therefore remain concerned that there is a real risk that we will see more of this type of accident." About 300 Robinson helicopters are registered in New Zealand, making up about 40% of the total helicopter fleet. According to the commission’s website, the watchlist highlights its "most pressing concerns, including transport issues posing "high social, economic or environmental risk", systemic issues affecting transport safety, or issues that policymakers, regulators or operators "have been slow to act upon".

Source: Otago Daily Times October 27, 2016 17:09 UTC