Death with no regrets, says pilot's family

Iain Hyndman | 16th January 2010

Ill-fated RNZAF pilot Sqn Ldr Nick Cree would have died without regret, his family says.

During a media conference at the Feilding Police Station yesterday, younger brother Elliot Cree read from a prepared statement suggesting  Nick had crammed several lifetimes into his 32 years.

"Nick was an amazing person. He has always loved flying. He joined the Air Force at the age of 18. He gained his BTech in Aviation in Canberra and has achieved so much since then," Mr Cree said.

"He served our country in Timor, Singapore and the Solomons, which we are all so proud of. The high point of his career was being selected and flying for the Red Checkers display team.

"Although his lifelong passion was flying he was an excellent sportsman. He sailed, skied, played soccer and more recently he conquered the New Zealand Ironman for the second time.

"He always gave everything 100 per cent and was really good at everything he did. He was so proud of his new son, Jackson, and loved his wife, Sarah, so much. He was such a family man, always there for us. He was the best brother, son and friend anyone could ask for.

"Nick would have no regrets. He had done almost everything in his 32 years. He farmed, was building his dream home, had a gorgeous son and married the girl of his dreams.

Mr Cree was supported at the conference by his wife, Ingrid, his and Nick's dad, Denis Cree,  their younger sister, Stacey Cree, and her partner, Matt Bradley.

The conference was  held at the Feilding police Station where Nick's widow Sarah has worked as a police constable for  four years.

Sqn Ldr Nick Cree died just after 8am on Thursday when his CT4 Airtrainer crashed on the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Raumai weapons range at Santoft, just north of Ohakea air base.

The  tragedy happened during a routine Red Checkers aerobatic display team practice session.

Air Force investigators and engineers are conducting an investigation into the cause of the  crash.