At 1306 hours on Sunday 31 March 1996, the pilot of Robinson R44 ZK-HJD called Gisborne Tower, reporting 20 miles south for joining instructions. Low cloud, poor visibility and gale-force winds prevailed at the time. When the helicopter failed to arrive at Gisborne, Search and Rescue action was initiated, and the pilot's body and some helicopter wreckage were found the next morning at Muriwai Beach, 5.5 nm south of Gisborne Airport. It was evident that the helicopter had flown into the sea, but no definitive cause was established.
