Executive summary
On the morning of Friday, 9 January 1998, the pilot flew Cessna 172 ZK-EWH from Queenstown to Te Anau. The aircraft took off for the return flight, with two passengers, at about 0830 hours but did not arrive at Queenstown.
Emergency location transmitter signals led to the discovery of the wreckage of ZK-EWH later in the morning. The aircraft had struck a beech-forested slope in a steeply banked attitude at an elevation of about 3300 feet, some 200 feet below a saddle between two tussock covered peaks. The pilot and passengers were killed.
A cold unstable south-westerly flow, including vigorous cumulonimbus activity and snow showers, was affecting the area at the time of the accident.
The remoteness of the site, and the absence of witness or survivor information, precluded the finding of a conclusive reason for the accident. The available evidence suggested, however, that as the result of severely reduced visibility due to heavy rain, snow, or low cloud, the pilot inadvertently approached the forested slope, and during an attempted evasive manoeuvre the aircraft collided with the trees.
Related Recommendations
Re-emphasises to pilots involved in single pilot VFR Air Transport that in the event of adverse weather or abnormal circumstances being encountered, management assistance and support from suitably qualified and experienced company personnel may be obtained by discussion prior to flight, or by RTF contact during flight.
Arranges for appropriate publication of the circumstances surrounding this accident for safety educational purposes to alert pilots to the pressures inherent in scheduled and "semi-scheduled" VFR Air Transport flights relevant to en route decision making.
In relation to the weather conditions in the area at the time of this accident, emphasises compliance with applicable VFR minima regarding flight visibility and clearance from cloud.
Remind pilots conducting VFR Air Transport flights of the company requirements to carry adequate charts, route guides and other appropriate aids to navigation, and to complete load sheets when required.