Crash of a Fletcher FU-24-954 near Taihape: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 22, 1997 at 0800 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ZK-EHX
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
262
YOM:
1979
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot was conducting a topdressing operation in hilly terrain in fine weather. He had stopped sowing and commenced a right hand turn. Considerable height was lost in the turn for reasons undetermined. The aircraft impacted with terrain under power in a 60° banked, 30° nose down attitude. The aircraft was totally destroyed in the impact and post crash fire, the pilot receiving fatal injuries. No technical deficiencies were revealed.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Taihape: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 21, 1959 at 1200 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
ZK-AVL
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
MSN:
148
YOM:
1951
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Crashed in unknown circumstances in Taeroa, near Taihape, while completing a crop spraying mission. The pilot George Shirtcliffe was killed in the crash.