AO-2000-005

On Tuesday 28 March 2000 at 1014 hours, ZK-HJN, a Hughes 369FF helicopter, was on a charter flight from Te Anau Aerodrome to West Arm, Lake Manapouri. Approaching to land, the helicopter struck a power line and impacted the ground heavily. The pilot and 4 passengers on board died in the accident and the helicopter was destroyed. Safety issues identified were the criteria for the marking of wires and overhead structures, and the requirement to expedite amendments to Civil Aviation Rules for wire marking. Safety recommendations were made to the Director of Civil Aviation.