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.    ENDS   Issued by Police Media Centre.