What happened
On 30 November 2004, a Piper PA34-200T Seneca II, registration ZK-JAN, was operating an air transport charter flight from New Plymouth to Nelson. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, was intended to transport an engineer and necessary parts. After successfully completing the first leg of the journey, the aircraft departed New Plymouth for the return trip, climbing to an approved altitude of 8500 feet under visual flight rules (VFR).
During the flight, the aircraft approached the area of Mount Taranaki / Egmont. Shortly after 0953, air traffic controllers noticed the radar target for the aircraft had disappeared. Despite attempts to re-establish contact, the aircraft could not be reached. A search operation was initiated, and the wreckage was eventually located near the mountain's summit later that evening. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight history, weather conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical state. The pilot was found to be appropriately licensed and fit for duty, though they did not meet the specific currency requirements to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). The aircraft was confirmed to be airworthy and fully serviceable at the time of departure.
Analysis of the wreckage and flight data suggested the aircraft was likely flying on autopilot during its approach to the mountain. There was no evidence of mechanical failure, engine issues, or pilot medical impairment. However, the investigation noted that the aircraft encountered significant cloud cover around the mountain, which likely obscured the terrain.
Findings
- The pilot likely lost visual reference with the mountain due to the presence of extensive cloud cover or the aircraft's nose obstructing the view of the summit.
- The summit's snow and ice-covered surface may have been difficult to distinguish against the surrounding cloud background.
- The aircraft likely encountered a downdraught as it crossed the crater rim, contributing to the descent into the terrain.
- The pilot was flying under VFR and was not qualified to operate under IFR at the time of the accident.
Safety action
Following the accident, the Commission recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation promote the requirement for aircraft operating under Part 135 to be equipped with a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS). The Civil Aviation Authority subsequently accepted this recommendation, committing to the installation of TAWS on new and existing aircraft entering the New Zealand Register to prevent future controlled flight into terrain accidents.