What happened
On the morning of January 19, 2002, a Cessna 207, registered as ZK-SEV, departed from Te Anau Aerodrome bound for Milford Sound Aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 10:00 local time, the aircraft struck the side of a mountain within a valley located roughly 500 meters southeast of Gertrude Saddle. The impact occurred at an elevation of about 4,400 feet above sea level, approximately 11 kilometers from its destination. The accident resulted in 6 fatalities, including the pilot and five passengers.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and that the pilot was qualified and fit for the mission. Weather conditions at the time were considered suitable for flight operations. However, the investigation concluded that the aircraft likely lacked sufficient altitude to safely traverse Gertrude Saddle.
It is believed the pilot may have miscalculated the impact of tailwinds or downdrafts on the aircraft's ground speed and approach to the saddle. The primary contributing factor was the delayed execution of a reverse turn intended to avoid the terrain. By the time the decision to maneuver away from the valley was made, the aircraft was too low to complete the turn safely. Additionally, the findings suggested that pilot inexperience and insufficient training for complex mountainous environments may have played a role in the inability to manage the terrain effectively.