New Zealand - Mon, Oct 31 - tvnz.co.nz
Two people killed in a helicopter crash near Whangarei this afternoon were contracting for a timber harvesting company.
The pair were carrying out work for Rayonier at the time of the accident.
A distress beacon was received by the Rescue Coordination Centre shortly after 1pm today, and a rescue helicopter reached the scene at Glenbervie Forest shortly after 2pm.
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The helicopter is a Robinson R44.
Rayonier managing director Paul Nicholls told 1 News the contractors were believed to be carrying out general weed control and surveying.
There were no indications at this stage what caused the crash.
Mr Nicholls said the company's "hearts and thoughts" were with the families of those killed.
He would not say what helicopter company was involved until relatives had been contacted.
Mr Nicholls and staff are heading to the scene to assist with investigations.
Last week, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission added Robinson helicopters to its watchlist over concerns about the number of accidents involving "mast bumping", which is when an inner part of the main rotor blade or rotor hub connects with the main rotor drive shaft.
It can cause the helicopter to break up in flight.
The TAIC said it would keep an eye on the investigation to see if a separate inquiry was warranted, but could not comment on any connection between the watchlist and today's incident.