Helicopter rescue hero dies after call to help

Press, 21 November 1987, Page 1

Helicopter rescue hero dies after call to help

By

PETER LUKE and PA

“The lights went out and he was killed — literally,” said the Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr Jeffries, yesterday.

A drawn-looking Mr Jeffries paid tribute to a "hero of civil aviation,” Mr Peter Button. Mr Button died, when his helicopter hit power cables near Johnsonville, Wellington. Both his passengers were also killed. They were: Ronald Denis Woolf, aged 57, a photographer, of Miramar, and i Dion Allan Savage, aged 48, a project manager, of Tawa. The accident caused a power black-out throughout the capital, but news of the identity of the pilot quickly replaced the power loss as the main talking point in Wellington. "This is a man who died as he lived — serving the community,” said Mr Jeffries. Mr Button was one of the most popular people in the Wellington region, and well-known throughout the country, he said. Mr Jeffries believed there would be a groundswell of public sympathy for Mr Button in the next few days. The pilot had been to the fore in the fight for the relaxation of Civil Aviation regulations in New Zealand. Only after combating the frustrations of these regulations had he been able to set up his commercial rescue service, Mr Jeffries said. The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, expressed his condolences to Mr Button’s wife, Carole, yesterday. "His reputation as a courageous man was recognised throughout New Zealand and only this week this was highlighted by a Royal Honour being bestowed on him.”

The Minister of Police, Mr Tapsell, said that Mr Button’s death was an incalculable loss.

All members of the police would feel the loss very deeply as the accident had occurred just after Mr Button had been honoured for saving the two stricken

crewmen from the police launch, Lady Elizabeth 11, said Mr Tapsell.

“Today’s accident happened while Mr Button was once again assisting the police as he had so many times before," said Mr Tapsell. Although Mr Button had been on a commercial, photographic assignment, he had responded to help search for an escaped Wi Tako prison inmate, who was later recaptured. Wellington police last evening expressed shock at the death of Mr Button.

The Wellington district commander, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Mairs, described Mr Button as an excellent pilot who never hesitated when the police needed his services. “We have built up a close working relationship over the years. "Peter’s enthusiasm, his support to the police and his flying skills have never been in doubt. “Many people owe their lives to Peter Button. The community will be in his debt.” Mr Mairs said Mr Button’s skills were never more apparent than when the police launch, Lady Elizabeth 11, foundered in Wellington harbour. The launch capsized and sank during a ferocious southerly storm.

“It was the pilot’s skills which saved Constables Jim McLean and Rod Herd from certain death,” Mr Mairs said.

Mr Button also retrieved the body of Senior-Sergeant Phil Ward from the water. A fourth crewman, Constable Glen Hughes, was never found. “All police officers are saddened by Mr Button’s death. We feel we have lost a friend,” Mr Mairs sq|d. The police extended their sincere sympathy to Mr Button’s family.