Search for missing 1978 plane in West Coast lake ends

The search for a Piper Cherokee Six aircraft that vanished in 1978 has concluded at Lake Moeraki after sonar and dive teams found nothing of significance. Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, who led the operation, stated that while several lakebed features were assessed on Wednesday, nothing was located that warranted further investigation. Police do not expect any further search activity at the lake as part of the current operation.

The aircraft, registered as ZK-EBU, disappeared on 29 December 1978 with seven people on board. The multi-agency operation included the Police National Dive Squad, Royal New Zealand Navy personnel, Coastguard West Coast volunteers, Hato Hone St John, and Police Search and Rescue staff. The search was prompted by new information regarding the disappearance.

Family members of the seven people who disappeared were present at Lake Moeraki during the search. They expressed their gratitude to the personnel and volunteers who travelled from across New Zealand to assist. Senior Sergeant Kirkwood noted that the work allows police to confidently account for the areas searched and the information that led them to the site.

Data collected during the recent search will be analysed, and any fresh evidence will continue to be considered by police. The operation involved support from local landowners, the Haast community, and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.

Where reports differ

• One report describes the missing aircraft as being from Dunedin, while another describes it as a West Coast plane

Compiled from reports by Stuff, Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald.