TAIC opens inquiry into fatal plane crash near Nelson

Two people have died after a privately owned Cessna 172P crashed in remote terrain in the Bryant Range, northeast of Nelson. The aircraft, registered as ZK-BFQ, departed Nelson Airport at approximately 9.10am on Tuesday and was reported overdue shortly before midday. The wreckage was located south of North Castor Peak, about 20km northeast of Nelson.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft reached an altitude of 3100ft before descending to 1800ft in 49 seconds and disappearing from tracking. One report noted the descent took 90 seconds and recorded the altitude drop from 944m to 550m. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has opened an inquiry into the crash, with investigators focusing on preserving evidence such as the condition of the wreckage and electronic records.

It is understood that the occupants included a New Zealand pilot and a foreign national. The aircraft is believed to be operated by FlyInn, a Wānaka-based company that provides self-fly vacations. The company previously indicated it would make a statement.

Recovery efforts were hampered by cloud on Wednesday morning. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith expressed sadness over the tragedy and thanked emergency services for their search efforts.

How it developed

• Wed 4 Nov, 6:04pmThe TAIC appointed two investigators to focus on preserving evidence that could change or disappear.
• Wed 4 Nov, 6:07pmThe aircraft is understood to be operated by FlyInn, a company offering self-fly vacations.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the duration of the aircraft's descent, citing either 49 seconds or 90 seconds
• One report states the plane reached 3100ft before dropping to 1800ft, while another uses metres (944m to 550m)

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Press, RNZ and NZ Herald.