12 Aug 2022

Southern Alps plane crash: Attempt to recover body fails

4:19 pm on 12 August 2022

Weather has prevented the recovery of the body of a West Coast pilot who crashed in the Southern Alps this month.

Franz Josef businessman Tim Gibb.

Tim Gibb whose plane went down in the Southern Alps last Thursday was well known in the Franz Josef community. Photo: Sharon Brettkelly

Franz Josef pilot Tim Gibb's light plane crashed on 4 August while he was on a flight from his home town to Rangiora in North Canterbury.

Police say a further attempt will be made once snow and ice conditions allow.

The Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team and the Department of Conservation helped police in today's recovery attempt.

The Franz Josef community has been supporting Gibb's family since the crash.

Tributes on Givealittle from friends and community groups all affirmed Gibb's contributions to the community as a deputy chief fire fighter and Civil Defence controller.

The Givealittle fundraiser has so far raised more than $52,000 to help his family.

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