What happened
The incident involved a twin-engine aircraft christened 'Keruru' that was on final approach to Paraparaumu Airport. At the time of the descent, weather conditions were marginal, characterized by low clouds and reduced visibility. While descending at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, the aircraft struck tree tops on a wooded mountain slope in Waikanae, located roughly 11 kilometers from the airport.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. Rescue teams arrived at the wreckage site two hours after the crash. Tragically, all 15 occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the primary cause of the accident was faulty navigation by part of the crew, who continued the approach at an insufficient altitude. The low visibility resulting from low cloud cover was identified as a significant contributory factor to the event.