On May 26, 1965, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration ZK-CGS) operated by Air Contracts was involved in an aviation accident near Tinui, New Zealand during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigations could not determine the exact reason why the airplane encountered difficulties to gain altitude after liftoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
After liftoff, the airplane experienced difficulty gaining altitude and struck a hedge. During a left turn, the left wing tip hit the ground, causing a crash. The pilot was killed and the airplane destroyed by post-crash fire.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after liftoff, the airplane encountered difficulties gaining altitude and struck a hedge. Following the impact, the airplane climbed. The pilot then initiated a left turn, during which the left wing tip struck the ground. This impact resulted in the aircraft crashing. The pilot was killed, and the airplane was destroyed by a post-crash fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation could not determine the exact reason why the airplane encountered difficulties gaining altitude after liftoff. However, it was reported that the impact with the hedge damaged the elevators and tail control system, making the aircraft difficult to control.
Probable cause
Investigations could not determine the exact reason why the airplane encountered difficulties to gain altitude after liftoff. Nevertheless, it was reported that the impact with the edge damaged the elevators and tail control system, making the aircraft difficult to control.