What happened
During the final approach to Mt Saddle, the twin-engine aircraft encountered strong updrafts at low altitude. This sudden change in airflow caused the aircraft to gain unexpected height. Shortly after this maneuver, the plane entered a stall condition and descended rapidly into a wooded section of Mt Hope within Kahurangi National Park.
The impact resulted in significant casualties among the occupants. Two individuals lost their lives in the accident, while four others, including the pilot, were rescued from the wreckage. The deceased included the founder of the operating company and another employee associated with the airline service.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the primary factor leading to the crash was a loss of control. This loss of control was directly attributed to the aircraft being caught in an updraft during its approach phase.