Accident Details
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was completing a mail flight from Wellington to Christchurch. After departing from flight level 100 and beginning the descent to Christchurch, the pilot reported technical problems to air traffic control. Shortly thereafter, the pilot declared an emergency after one engine was shut down. Seconds later, control of the airplane was lost, and the aircraft entered a spin before crashing into the sea.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue operations were initiated, but no trace of the aircraft or the pilot was found.
Official Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established due to a lack of evidence. However, the following causes have not been ruled out: a loss of control after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation while attempting to manage an emergency situation in limited visibility (clouds); a loss of control due to airframe ice accumulation; a structural failure resulting from a severe fire in the engine bay; an explosion of hazardous cargo; a failure of the flying control system; or possible criminal mischief.