What happened
On the afternoon of 10 April 2002, a Cessna 210N Centurion, registration ZK-TWA, departed Dunedin Aerodrome on a ferry flight destined for Masterton. The aircraft was operating under a special flight permit following recent maintenance work on its engine and airframe components. After completing a successful test flight earlier that day, the pilot proceeded with the flight to Masterton under instrument flight rules (IFR).
During the flight, the pilot transitioned to visual flight rules (VFR) after clearing the controlled airspace. The final radio contact with Dunedin Tower occurred at approximately 1449, when the pilot reported being 21 nautical miles from the Swampy VOR/DME. Shortly after this transmission, the aircraft disappeared from radar. Following a search operation, the wreckage was located the following morning near Conical Peak, roughly 34 km southwest of Oamaru. The impact was high-energy, and the pilot was killed.
The investigation
Investigators from the TAIC examined the wreckage and flight data to determine the circumstances of the crash. The investigation established that the aircraft was under power at the moment of impact and that the engine had not failed. The wreckage showed that the aircraft had struck the side of a ridge in an upright attitude.
Analysis of the flight path suggested a sudden and rapid descent occurred as the aircraft approached the ridgeline. Investigators considered several possibilities for this descent, including potential pilot distraction—such as managing a cellular telephone call or monitoring engine oil temperatures—or sudden pilot incapacitation. While the pilot was an experienced aviator, it was noted that his medical certificate had expired at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was airworthy and operating at nearly full power during the collision.
- The descent from level flight was sudden and rapid.
- The exact reason for the uncontrolled descent could not be definitively determined.
- The aircraft struck the terrain in an upright position, suggesting no loss of engine power occurred.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted a delay in locating the wreckage because the pilot had not filed a flight plan or established a flight following procedure.
- While the pilot frequently flew without formal flight plans, the lack of a check-in system meant the aircraft was not reported overdue until the following day.