UPDATED 3.33PM: Safety concerns over Thursday's fatal helicopter crash near Queenstown will prevent other helicopters from taking to the skies.

Director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris has issued an emergency directive grounding all Robinson R44 series helicopters fitted with a Dash 7 Main Rotor Blade.

It is effective immediately and will apply until further notice.

42-year-old senior pilot Stephen Combe and his 18-year-old student James Gardner were killed in the crash at Lochy River basin.

All of the main parts of the aircraft have now been found in the steep, beech-covered valley.

A team returned to the site this morning to prepare the wreckage, before it is taken next week to Wellington for further examination.

After it's been lifted out, two investigators will continue gathering documentary evidence and begin interviews with the operating company.