Nelson

While cruising in good weather conditions on a flight from Nelson to Wellington, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the twin engine airplane struck power cables and crashed in the Tory Channel. A passenger was rescued while eight other occupants were killed.

On touchdown at Christchurch Airport, the rain main gear collapsed. The twin engine airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in a grassy area. All three occupants were uninjured and the aircraft was not repaired. Built in 1937, the airplane christened 'Spirit of Tasman Bay' was the last Lockheed 10 Electra in service in New Zealand.

While approaching the Mt Saddle at low height, the twin engine aircraft was caught by updraft and gained altitude. Shortly later, the aircraft stalled and dove into a wooded area located on the Mt Hope, in the Kahurangi National Park. Four passengers and the pilot Colin G. Lewis were rescued while two others occupants including Bert Mercer, founder of this operator, were killed. The other passenger killed was also an employee of Air Travel.

Shortly after take off from Westport Airport, while climbing to an altitude of 4,000 feet, the propeller blades detached from the right engine. The pilot increased power on left engine and attempted to return to Westport. Unfortunately, shortly later, the aircraft stalled and crashed into the sea 7 km off shore. All four passengers drowned while the pilot was injured. The propeller blades were found on a beach in March 1943.
Crew:
Arthur C. Baines.

The crew was engaged in a training flight off Nelson. In flight, the captain decided to reduce his altitude and made a very low pass over the Tasman Bay. Propeller blades hit the water surface and the pilot increased engine power to gain altitude. At a height of 200 feet, the aircraft went out of control, the pilot was able to send a brief mayday message and ditched the aircraft. Ten minutes later, the pilot of a RNZAF's Harvard spotted the Hudson floating with all crew alive, seating on both wings. Unfortunately, more than two hours were needed for the crew of a RNZAF ship to rich the site. Only one crew was found alive as all six other occupants died from hypothermia because the water temperature was too low.
Crew (2nd Squadron):
F/O Dean Horrocks, †
Sgt Vincent Hill, †
Sgt Jack Bryson, †
Sgt Victor Chapple, †
Sgt Gordon Stevens, †
AC1 John Davis, †
W/O J. Colway.

While starting its descent and flying at an altitude of 5,775 feet in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft hit Mt Richmond located 21 km southeast of Nelson. All five occupants were killed.

The crew departed Nelson Airport on a three-hour survey flight within New Zealand. While cruising west of Nelson at night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In reduced visibility, the airplane impacted the slope of a mountain located near Westhaven Inlet. The wreckage was found seven days later and all four crew members were killed.
Crew:
P/O Alexander John MacFarlane, pilot,
P/O Louis George William Volzke, navigator,
Sgt Keith Robertson Jack, wireless operator and air gunner,
Sgt Phillip David Harris, wireless operator and air gunner.