Zone

Crash of a GAF Nomad N.24A in Lake Tekapo

Date & Time: Jul 20, 1987 at 1900 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ZK-NMD
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lake Tekapo - Hamilton
MSN:
36
YOM:
1977
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Lake Tekapo, the aircraft encountered difficulties to gain height the stalled and crashed past the runway end. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the stall during initial climb was the consequence of an excessive accumulation of frost on fuselage and wings. The aircraft was not deiced prior to takeoff.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Hamilton: 2 killed

Date & Time: Apr 19, 1974 at 1600 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
VH-BSY
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Hamilton - Hamilton
MSN:
1563
YOM:
1964
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Captain / Total flying hours:
2804
Captain / Total hours on type:
1500.00
Circumstances:
The crew was involved in a local spraying mission in the region of Hamilton, Tasmania. While cruising at an altitude of 500 feet, the pilot-in-command initiated a left turn and descended till 50 feet when the airplane struck power cables. On impact, the left wing was torn off and the aircraft crashed in flames. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that a power line was installed few days prior to the accident and apparently, the pilot was not aware of it. The crew has been briefed before flight but the chief pilots failed to inform the crew of the presence of the power line as he was convinced the crew was already aware of its presence.
Final Report:

Crash of a Miles M.3B Falcon Major in Wellington: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 19, 1936 at 1510 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ZK-AEI
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hamilton – Wellington
MSN:
247
YOM:
1935
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
On approach to Wellington Airport, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to rain and low ceiling down to 100 metres. On final, the airplane collided with the mast of an anemometric station, causing the right wing to be torn off. The aircraft dove into the ground and crashed. The passenger escaped uninjured while the pilot was killed.
Crew:
Malcolm McGregor, pilot. †
Passenger:
Charles William Feilden Hamilton.