Man threatens to crash plane into tower before sea plunge

A man stole a light aeroplane and threatened to crash it into the landmark Sky Tower in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, before plunging the craft into the sea today, police said.

“It arose from a domestic situation. A man with a pilot’s licence stole a light plane and threatened to crash into the Sky Tower,” an Auckland police spokeswoman said.

“He’s crashed into the harbour and emergency services are out there now.”

There was no immediate word on the man’s condition. He was believed to have been alone in the plane.

At 328 meters (1,076 feet), Sky Tower is claimed to be the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere.

An unknown number of people dining at a restaurant 190 meters (620 feet) up in the tower were evacuated from the building as the drama unfolded.

“It’s been cleared but now, security says everything is fine,” said customer services manager Sarah Williams.

TV1 said the plane flew close to the Sky Tower after dark, and reported that its pilot had been in radio contact with police.

New Zealand held national elections today Saturday, and both Prime Minister Helen Clark and opposition National Party leader Don Brash were due to hold election rallies in Auckland later tonight.

TV1 reported that police had arrived outside Clark’s house, but it was not immediately clear if they were scheduled to be there because it was election night or to beef up security due to the plane incident.