UPDATE: Southern Alps recovery operation

Today a police-led operation was initiated to recover pilot Tim Gibb, whose light plane crashed in the Southern Alps on 4 August.

Police were joined in the recovery operation by the Department of Conservation Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team.

Unfortunately, due to environmental factors, a recovery was not possible.

A further attempt will be made once snow and ice conditions allow.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.