ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 34518
Last updated: 19 May 2013
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Date:06-JUN-2003
Time:19:07
Type:Silhouette image of generic PA31 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Piper PA-31-350 Chieftain
Operator:Air Adventures New Zealand Limited
Registration: ZK-NCA
C/n / msn: 31-7405203
Fatalities:Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 10
Other fatalities:0
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:1.2 nm out from runway 20, Christchurch International Airport -   New Zealand
Phase: Approach
Nature:Non Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:PMR / NZPM
Destination airport:CHC / NZCH
Narrative:
On 6 June 2003, a charter flight returning to Christchurch from Palmerston North crashed into trees and terrain on approach to Christchurch airport in night time IFR conditions. One possible cause was distraction to the single pilot due to overwork. The pilot and seven passengers died due to impact with trees, two passengers survived with serious injuries. The crash site was not located until 2124, due to night and fog conditions, the remote location away from roads requiring a search on foot, and the conditions preventing operation of a rescue helicopter.

Sources:
TAIC Report 03-004 Piper PA 31-350 Navajo Chieftain ZK-NCA controlled flight into terrain near Christchurch Aerodrome 6 June 2003
http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/2003-004/Page/4/Default.aspx?SkinSrc=[G]skins%2ftaicAviation%2fskin_aviation
NZ Herald - Pilot's decision to fly alone cost 8 lives, coroner says
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/transport-accident-investigation-commission/news/article.cfm?o_id=316&objectid=10384223
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Script/Accident_Details.asp?Oc=03/1674



Gisborne 1997

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
22-Oct-2008 02:28 XLerate Added
29-Mar-2010 00:55 flyernzl Updated [Source]
Number of views: 1030

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