AO-1998-008 Cessna 402C ZK-VAC, double engine failure and ditching, Foveaux Strait, 19 August 1998

On Wednesday 19 August 1998, Cessna 402C aeroplane ZK-VAC was on a scheduled flight from Stewart Island to Invercargill when both engines failed. After the successful ditching in Foveaux Strait five passengers were rescued, but three passengers and the pilot, who were without lifejackets, did not survive. One passenger is missing presumed dead.

The cause of the double engine failure was not conclusively established but may have been associated with systemic fuel management.

Safety issues identified included:
• the need for operators to use a fuel quantity monitoring system to supplement fuel gauge indications, and
• the need for individual aircraft flight manuals to clearly indicate what optional equipment of operational significance is installed in the aircraft.

A safety recommendation was made to the Director of Civil Aviation on aircraft flight manuals.