An inquest has heard no drugs or alcohol were found in the bodies of two men who were killed in a helicopter crash during a rescue mission in Northland.

Pilot John de Ridder and DoC Employee, William Macrae died while attempting to rescue people from a scrub fire in November 2011.

Their bodies were found in the wreckage off the coast of Karikari bay the next day, still strapped in their seats.

One had died of multiple blunt force trauma, the other drowned after sustaining head injuries.

The fire which led to their death was caused by arson.