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Aircraft crash during supply mission to Beardmore Glacier (NZ6010)

Beardmore Glacier, AntarcticaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 15, 1960, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration NZ6010) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force - RNZAF was involved in an aviation accident near Beardmore Glacier, Antarctica during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision to attempt a landing during whiteout conditions led to the aircraft striking the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while attempting to land in whiteout conditions during a supply mission to Beardmore Glacier, resulting in the abandonment of the plane.

What happened

During a scheduled supply mission directed toward the Beardmore Glacier, the flight crew attempted to perform a landing despite the presence of severe whiteout conditions. During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with the icy surface, leading to a crash. Following the impact, the two pilots remained at the site and were successfully rescued five days after the accident occurred.

Findings

  • The crew chose to proceed with landing operations while visibility was obscured by whiteout conditions.
  • The aircraft was left at the crash site following the rescue of the occupants.

Probable cause

The decision to attempt a landing during whiteout conditions led to the aircraft striking the ground.

Related events

Same operator

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