Bell 206L-3, impacted ground, near Matatā

TAIC is investigating an accident involving a Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter, registration ZK-IGD, that occurred about 15km north-west of Whakatane near Matatā at around 1500 on 27 July 2025.

The accident helicopter ZK-IGD. File shot from January 2022, © Nathan Cox | Jetphotos all rights reserved, used with permission

TAIC is investigating an accident involving a Bell 206L-3 LongRanger helicopter, registration ZK-IGD, that occurred about 15km north-west of Whakatane near Matatā at around 1500 on 27 July 2025. The reported circumstances were that shortly after lift-off the helicopter experienced violent shaking and it impacted the ground on its left side. Emergency services attended the scene and one of the three occupants was airlifted to Tauranga hospital with moderate injuries. The two other occupants sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was extensively damaged.