Brothers of a South Island helicopter pilot who died - say it could have been any of them

DOC rangers Paul Hondelink and Scott Theobald of Twizel and pilot Nick Wallis of Oamaru were killed when their helicopter came down near Wanaka Airport yesterday.

All four Wallis brothers are involved in aviation, with Nick Wallis' brother, Matt - dying in a chopper accident just three months ago.

Brother Jonathan, says they're all close, talking regularly - and he'd spoken with Nick that morning.

And brother Toby says it'll be tough, but flying is in their blood and the accidents won't put them off it.