What Happened
On Tuesday, 15 December 2020, at 1237 local time, a Eurocopter EC120-B helicopter (registration ZK-HEK) crashed on a beach near Kekerengu, north of Kaikoura, New Zealand. The pilot had taken off from near Rangiora at 1124 with four passengers: the pilot's partner, two of their children (aged 12 and 5), and a friend of one child (aged 11). The flight was intended to reach a café at Kekerengu for lunch.
After refueling at Rangiora Aerodrome, the helicopter departed at 1138 and flew north, eventually descending from about 2,000 feet towards the coast near the Clarence River. The pilot began maneuvering offshore around 1237, conducting a reconnaissance of the intended landing area. The helicopter made a left turn seaward of the coast, descending to about 200 feet. As it turned back toward the beach for a second pass, ground speed reduced to about 25 knots. Witnesses observed the helicopter begin spinning to the left; the rate of spin increased, and the helicopter descended rapidly, crashing onto the beach near the low tide mark.
Emergency services arrived after bystanders extracted the occupants. The three children were airlifted to hospital with moderate-to-serious injuries. The pilot and the pilot's partner were killed. The helicopter was destroyed.
Why It Happened
The investigation found that the weather was suitable, with a moderate northeasterly onshore breeze. The pilot had not previously landed at the café and was familiarizing himself with the area. As the helicopter slowed during the downwind turn, the combination of low airspeed and increasing power caused a sudden uncontrolled yaw to the left, which likely startled the pilot. The yaw rate increased, and control could not be regained before impact.
The investigation determined that the pilot did not recognize visual indications of the helicopter's performance, allowing it to slow during a critical phase. The pilot's inexperience was identified as a key factor.
Aircraft Information
ZK-HEK was a 1998 Eurocopter EC120-B (five-seat, single engine) with a Fenestron tail rotor. It had a basic weight of 1,070 kg and a maximum certificated weight of 1,715 kg. At the time of the accident, the helicopter had flown about 2,626 hours total, with no outstanding airworthiness directives. The last scheduled maintenance was a 500-hour/12-month inspection in July 2020, and the engine had been replaced at that time. The helicopter was within weight and balance limits for the flight.
Pilot Information
The 60-year-old pilot held a private pilot licence (helicopter) issued in March 2020, with 84.5 hours at that time. By the accident date, he had accrued 170 total flying hours, including 32 hours on the EC120-B type. He had obtained a type rating for the EC120-B in July 2020. A class 2 medical certificate required him to wear spectacles, which he was wearing. Toxicology tests were negative for impairing substances, and no medical conditions were found that might have contributed.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time included a moderate northeasterly onshore breeze of 5–10 knots, near-unlimited visibility, and no cloud. Automated reports from nearby stations confirmed light northeasterly winds and clear skies.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to monitor the helicopter's performance, allowing airspeed to decay in a low-level maneuver. The resulting loss of control led to the crash. No new safety recommendations were made.