Hughes 369D crash into Lake Sumner, New Zealand

1 fatality • Lake Sumner, New Zealand, New Zealand

A Hughes 369D helicopter crashed into Lake Sumner during an agricultural spraying mission, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On May 21, 2012, at 0200 UTC, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration ZK-HXZ, crashed into Lake Sumner, New Zealand. The aircraft was being operated by Way to Go Heliservices for the purpose of agricultural weed spraying in accordance with New Zealand civil regulations.

The helicopter sank into the lake at a depth of 125 meters. The aircraft was not recovered until May 2015. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained 1 fatal injury, and the helicopter was destroyed.

Probable cause

The official cause of the accident is not specified in the available report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 May 2012 HUGHES 369D D accident near Lake Sumner, New Zealand, New Zealand?

A Hughes 369D helicopter crashed into Lake Sumner during an agricultural spraying mission, resulting in the death of the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 2012 HUGHES 369D D accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 May 2012 involved a HUGHES 369D D, operated by Way To Go Heli Services Limited, at Lake Sumner, New Zealand, New Zealand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The official cause of the accident is not specified in the available report.

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