What happened
During an en route phase of flight, the crew operated under challenging meteorological conditions characterized by strong winds and rain showers. These factors resulted in low visibility for the flight deck. While navigating through this environment, the aircraft, which bore the name 'Kaka', deviated from its intended track. The airframe subsequently impacted the slope of Mt Ruapehu. The collision caused the structure to disintegrate upon impact, leading to the fatalities of all 13 occupants on board.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the primary cause was the crew's failure to implement appropriate measures to maintain the correct flight track. However, the report also identified significant contributory factors. The strong winds encountered during the incident were cited as a key element influencing the deviation. Additionally, the absence of a radio navigational beacon in the area was considered a contributing factor that complicated navigation and situational awareness.