What happened
The operator, who was also the pilot, departed from a farm in Akitio with the intention of flying to Hastings. During the cruise phase, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions characterized by low visibility. In response to these conditions, the aircraft deviated from its planned route, heading northwest. The single-engine airframe subsequently impacted a hillside within the Ruahine forest area, located near Wakarara.
The wreckage was not located immediately following the impact. It was discovered approximately two weeks later at an elevation of 1,200 metres, situated roughly 30 metres below the peak of the hill. Despite extensive search efforts, no physical remains of the pilot were ever recovered. Investigators noted that the individual likely attempted to walk away from the crash site to seek assistance after sustaining injuries. However, the lack of appropriate cold-weather clothing and food supplies in such a remote, high-altitude environment likely contributed to the fatal outcome.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a controlled flight into terrain. This event was precipitated by a navigation error made while operating in poor weather conditions.