By 3 News online staff
The family of a doctor in a plane crash in Feilding on Monday say they are shattered by the unforeseen tragedy.
Dr Brett Ireland was with Dr Ralph Saxe onboard a Russian Yak when it crashed into Timona Park around 10:45am Monday. Both men were killed.
In a statement released to media, Dr Ireland’s family described a “charismatic person who touched the lives of many”.
“He was genuine and caring towards his family, friends and patients. He was quick-witted and his dry sense of humour was well known by all. These attributes made him loved by everyone who knew him.”
Dr Ireland was one of the founding members of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and ran successful chiropractic clinics in Palmerston North and Fielding.
In 2002 he sold both of his practices and moved with his family to the Gold Coast.
“He was a visionary and a leader in chiropractic care,” colleagues said in a statement.
“The chiropractic community in New Zealand and Australia are reeling form this tragic loss.”
Dr Ireland and his wife Janine had returned to Palmerston North for a friend's daughter's wedding.
The plane had been preparing to do aerobatics before the crash, witnessed by many.
It was a public holiday in Feilding and police say it is very lucky no one else was hurt by the crash – the impact of which sent debris flying across the park and the cockpit and engine of the plane in a mangled heap.
It had been in the sky around 25 minutes before the crash, having taken off from Taonui Aerodrome. Witnesses say the plane made “strange noises” before the crash.
Both Dr Ireland and Dr Saxe were well-known in the Manawatu community.
The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the cause of the crash.
3 News