By Gabrielle StuartVideo will play in Play now Don't auto playNever auto playThe Star can reveal pilot Steve Askin made a mayday call moments before his helicopter crashed. Mr Askin, a former SAS war hero, was killed in the crash in the Port Hills while fighting fires near Sugar Loaf. The Star has learned Mr Askin called mayday twice before the call was abruptly cut off. Related Content Hero chopper pilot Steve Askin man of faith, love, courage, says father Video Watch: A life full of love Port Hills fires: Steve Askin farewelled at Christchurch funeralHe left the army in 2013 to spend more time with his family, and took up agricultural work as a helicopter pilot. Steve Askin left behind a young family: his wife, Elizabeth, and children Isabelle, 7, and Bowie, 4.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 06, 2017 19:18 UTC