Two feared dead in New Zealand helicopter crash

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Two feared dead in New Zealand helicopter crash

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Pilot and conservation worker are feared dead after a helicopter crashed into ocean in New Zealand.

01 December,2011 05:17 am

A pilot and conservation worker are missing and feared dead after the helicopter they were flying to fight a fire crashed into the ocean off New Zealands far north coast.Northland police inspector Lou Alofa said the helicopter was located Thursday morning in about seven metres (23 feet) of water and that dive teams were on their way to the scene. He said the chopper went missing Wednesday night while fighting a large scrub fire in Matai Bay near Kaitaia.Alofa said the fire broke out at about 7 p.m. Wednesday. Reports indicate the fire burned down at least two homes.Department of Conservation spokesman Rory Newsam said a Northland staff member is missing and the agency was meeting Thursday with the family of the worker.