History of the Flight
On 29 March 1995, the two pilots reported for duty at Hamilton Airport to prepare for a scheduled return flight to Napier via Gisborne in ZK-TAK, a Beech 65-B80 Queen Air. After completing those sectors uneventfully, they returned to Hamilton at 1052 hours. Their next scheduled flight was in ZK-TIK, a Beech 65-A80-8800 Queen Air (Excalibur conversion), departing at 1210 hours for a return flight to New Plymouth.
ZK-TIK had earlier completed a return flight to New Plymouth, departing Hamilton at 0713 hours and returning at 0837. It was refuelled by the pilot in command and then taxied to the maintenance contractor for minor work. Afterwards, a maintenance engineer taxied it back to the terminal apron.
At 1214 hours, ZK-TIK departed Hamilton on the scheduled flight to New Plymouth, operating as Kiwi West Flight 337. A slight delay occurred due to the last-minute addition of a passenger.
At about 1225 hours, both engines failed within a short space of time. The aeroplane stalled and spun from a low altitude during an apparent attempt to return to Hamilton. All six occupants died in the ground impact.
Injuries and Damage
According to the investigation report, the two pilots and four passengers sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Aircraft Information
ZK-TIK was a Beech 65-A80-8800 Queen Air with an Excalibur conversion, serial number LD-249. It was powered by two Lycoming IO-720-A1B engines and was manufactured in 1965. The pilot in command held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane), was 38 years old, and had 1099 total flying hours, including 71 hours on type.
Causal Factors
The investigation identified fuel tank mis-selection and failure to execute a forced landing as causal factors. A contributing factor was a fuel management regime with potential for mismanagement.
Safety Recommendations
Four safety recommendations concerning pilot education were made to the Civil Aviation Authority as a result of this investigation. Safety issues discussed included checks and communications in emergency situations.