On March 27, 1965, a Lockheed L-188 Electra (registration ZK-TEC) operated by Tasman Empire Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Whenuapai AFB (Auckland), New Zealand during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Control was lost between the last segment and flare due to a wrong approach configuration. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a local training mission, an aircraft sank on short final, struck the runway at 140 knots, shearing off the left main gear and veering off the runway, resulting in a fire that destroyed the aircraft; all six occupants evacuated safely.
Incident Overview
A training flight conducting a local mission at Whenuapai Airport ended in a runway excursion and subsequent fire. The crew had completed several uneventful maneuvers before initiating a new approach for landing. On short final, the aircraft sank and impacted the runway surface at a speed of 140 knots.
Sequence of Events
Upon impact, the left main landing gear was sheared off. The aircraft then went out of control and veered left off the runway. While contacting soft ground alongside the runway, the left wing was torn off. The aircraft continued to slide before coming to rest in flames.
Occupant Status and Aircraft Damage
All six occupants evacuated safely from the aircraft. The aircraft itself was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that control was lost between the last segment and flare due to a wrong approach configuration.