AO-1995-008

The aircraft departed from Palmerston North Aerodrome on the afternoon of 21 May 1995 on a solo cross-country flight to Napier, Gisborne and return. A touch and go landing was made at Napier in the course of the outbound flight, and following a similarly uneventful touch and go landing at Gisborne the aircraft departed for Palmerston North. During the return flight the pilot requested, and received, clearance to pass through the Napier Terminal Control Area. The pilot's acknowledgement of the clearance was the last recorded communication from the aircraft. The aircraft failed to arrive at Palmerston North. Aerial searches organised by the Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) and coastal searches for wreckage conducted in conjunction with the Police have revealed no trace of the aircraft or its sole occupant. [Wreckage subsequently found 8 April 2001 and investigation reopened. See report addendum]