The families of two air force pilots whose plane crashed in the Tararua Ranges 54 years ago have successfully lobbied to have parts of the wreckage returned to the site.
Last month, Wairarapa Helicopters and the New Zealand Sport and Vintage Aviation Society illegally removed the engine from the wreck of the RNZAF Devon plane.
It was to have been put on display at the society's museum at Masterton's Hood aerodrome
The Department of Conservation quickly suspended the helicopter's concessions to operate in department land until it was decided whether charges would be laid.
The final decision on the future of the plane's parts was left with the families of the pilots, who are buried close to the crash site.
"There was a pretty strong feeling that what is left of the plane wreckage remains intact on the hill," DOC area manager Chris Lester told The Dominion Post.
The engine is expected to be returned after the deer-mating season finishes on April 25 and Tararua Forest Park is reopened to commercial helicopter operators.
DOC has decided against pursuing any prosecution.
