Event
At approximately 0450 on Friday, 20 July 2001, a Partenavia P68B registered ZK-DMA was en route to Whangarei. While abeam North Shore Aerodrome at 5,000 feet in darkness, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of power from both engines. The pilot executed an emergency landing on runway 21 at North Shore Aerodrome. The aircraft overran the end of the runway, went through a fence, crossed a road, and came to a stop in another fence. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained injuries to the face and ankle.
Investigation
The investigation revealed that the pilot was suitably qualified and authorized for the flight. The aircraft was found to be airworthy with maintenance records indicating proper upkeep. Meteorological conditions at the time were conducive to engine intake icing. It was probable that ice, hail, or sleet blocked the engine air intakes, causing the power loss. The pilot had likely developed a mindset that dismissed icing as a cause and therefore did not select the alternate engine intake air, which should have restored power. The flight manual warning regarding alternate air use was noted as requiring amendment to mandate its use in high-humidity conditions above freezing temperatures.