Statement from Chief of Air Force – Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott

“It is with deep and heartfelt regret that today I have learned of the tragic death and injury of personnel from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

We have had to inform families of the worst news anyone can hear about their loved ones.

My thoughts and the thoughts of all Royal New Zealand Air Force and Defence Force Personnel here and around the world are with the families as they try and cope with the terrible news.

Today we remember those who lost their lives doing their duty at Gallipoli ninety five years ago, and now we must add the names of three more who have lost their lives in the service of their country.

They were all too young, and all with bright futures to look forward to, and now we mourn their loss as we support their loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Today we have lost:

FLTLT HAYDEN PETER (Muddy) MADSEN, Pilot,

FGOFF DANIEL STEPHEN (Dan) GREGORY, Co-Pilot and

CPL BENJAMIN ANDREW (Ben) CARSON, Helicopter Crewman,

Another Helicopter crewman is injured and being treated in hospital. The Acting Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer, has visited the injured crewman at the hospital and we have our staff with him.

I am immensely proud of our young flyers and all those in the Air Force family. Our family is strong and close and we will feel this loss keenly.

It is too early to speculate what happened on the early morning flight. While on transit from Ohakea Air Force Base to Wellington to take part in the commemoration of Anzac day an Iroquois helicopter from No. 3 SQN, which was in the company of two other helicopters, crashed.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation and this will be thorough and professional.

But for today I would like to ask you all to join with the Air Force family in wishing the crewman a speedy recovery while remembering three wonderful young New Zealanders who this country can be truly proud of.

I know I am.”

ENDS

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