Accident Overview
While cruising at 11,000 feet during a night cargo flight from Christchurch to Wellington, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The aircraft went out of control, entered a dive, and crashed into the sea off Kaikoura. Both occupants were killed.
Circumstances
The flight was a cargo operation. The pilot had a duty period exceeding 18 hours, and during the day had loaded and unloaded more than 10 tons of cargo. No foul weather gear was provided, and the pilot became soaked by rain while performing these tasks. The pilot did not have sufficient rest time, a proper break time, or a meal.
Probable Cause Findings
The official investigation reported the following findings as probable cause:
- Icing conditions
- The aircraft was not equipped with deicing systems
- The pilot was tired due to a duty period of more than 18 hours
- The pilot loaded and unloaded more than 10 tons of cargo during the day
- The pilot was soaked by rain while doing so because no foul weather gear was provided
- The pilot did not have sufficient rest time
- The pilot did not have a proper brake time and meal
- The pilot was not properly trained concerning indoctrination course and suffered hypoxia in flight