AO-2001-012

On Monday 3 December 2001 at about 1430, Robinson R44 helicopter ZK-HTK was on a commercial transport flight from a remote campsite in the Urewera National Park to Ruatahuna, carrying two hunters whose recovery had been delayed by bad weather. While flying over the highest terrain en route, where the weather was probably worst, the helicopter collided with trees, fell to the ground and burned. One survivor was rescued 2 days later.

The pilot's low experience probably contributed to his perseverance with the flight in conditions of low cloud and poor visibility.