New Zealand V8 Ute Series stalwart Peter Robb has died in a helicopter accident near Wanganui on his homeland’s North Island.

An experienced pilot and co-owner of local firm Hill Country Helicopters, Robb had been alone in the helicopter spraying farmland at the time of the crash.

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred in fine weather.

The 56-year-old had raced in the NZ V8 Ute class since its debut in 2007 and was a founding shareholder and a director on the board of the category.

Nicknamed ‘Rocketman’, Robb scored a maiden race win at the V8 Supercars ITM 500 Auckland event in April.

A note on the NZ V8 Ute website paid tribute to Robb’s contribution to the category.

“A husband, father, grandfather, businessman, pilot, racing driver and all round top bloke, Peter will be terribly missed by the whole V8 ute racing family as well as the wider motor racing community in New Zealand,” it read.

“All of our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with Pete’s family and many friends during this incredibly difficult time.”