Rescued trainee pilot's family plans feast

Family of the Auckland teen who was flying a plane that crashed into the Ruahine Range want to thank his Palmerston North rescuers by preparing them a feast.

Trainee pilot Sam Metzger, 18, and flight instructor Gary Skedgwell, 30, were seriously injured when the Piper Tomahawk they were in crashed into hills near the Pohangina Valley, on July 12.

Crews from the Square Trust, Helipro rescue helicopters and St John ambulance braved a steep and slippery hillside, and the threat of explosion, to save the men.

Sam, who suffered leg, pelvis, back, feet and ankle injuries, was transferred from Palmerston North Hospital to Auckland Hospital late last month.

His father, Nathan Metzger, said it took Sam 10 days to recover from surgery in Auckland on August 4.

Though still in pain and suffering memory problems, Sam's recovery took a step in the right direction when he used a wheelchair for the first time on Wednesday.

Mr Metzger said he could be home by Monday.

"They are trying to let him come home to get some rest before he has to go back for another operation."

Once Sam is healthier, Mr Metzger – who owns a catering company – said he would travel back to Palmerston North to prepare a meal for everyone who helped rescue and care for his son.

"As far as we are concerned, they saved Sam's life, so that's the least we can do."

Mr Metzger wants to serve the food at the Square Trust hangar for a day, so everyone who came into contact with Sam could come for a bite.

Mr Skedgwell was discharged from Hawke's Bay Hospital two weeks ago and is recovering at home.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said the crash investigation was ongoing and was expected to take a further six months to complete.

- © Fairfax NZ News