Executive summary
On Saturday, 19 January 2002, at 0931, ZK-SEV, a Cessna 207, took off from Te Anau Aerodrome for Milford Sound Aerodrome. At about 1000 the aircraft collided with the side of a mountainous valley, approximately 4400 feet above sea level and 500 metres southeast of Gertrude Saddle, some 11 kilometres from Milford Sound. The pilot and 5 passengers on board died in the collision.
The aircraft probably had not reached a suitable altitude to safely cross over Gertrude Saddle, and the pilot probably left his decision too late to turn back in the valley in order to gain more height.
Safety issues identified were the lack of mandatory mountain-flying training aeroplane pilots must undergo, and the potential safety benefits that could be gained from such training. Safety recommendations addressing these issues were made to the Director of Civil Aviation.
Related Recommendations
Implement previous safety recommendations 078/93 and 033/97, which stated: The training syllabus for the New Zealand Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) be amended to include "Mountainous-terrain flight training" and the extent of training required be similar to that already specified in the case of Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter), and the requirement be applicable prior to the validation or conversion of foreign Pilot Licences to equivalent New Zealand Pilot Licence[s] (078/93);
Include in Advisory Circulars detailed mountain-flying training guidance information, to assist operators who conduct routine commercial operations into mountainous areas, such as Fiordland or similar regions, to meet the Civil Aviation Rules requirement to establish a training programme that ensures each of their pilots is trained and competent to fly in such areas.