Nelson region light aircraft crash

The story so far

Two people died after a light aircraft crashed in a remote area south of Castor Peak, near Nelson, on Tuesday 3 November 2026.^{3, 4, 5 Nov} The Cessna 172P left Nelson Airport at 9.10am and was reported overdue shortly before midday.^{3, 4 Nov} Emergency services responded to the crash site on the Nelson and Marlborough boundary.^{3 Nov} The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the crash.^{4 Nov} A Wānaka-based self-fly holiday company confirmed the aircraft was its Cessna 172P Skyhawk.^{5 Nov}

Latest

On 4 November, the company confirmed its aircraft was involved in the crash in the Bryant Range.^{5 Nov}

What's next

Police are continuing efforts to recover the bodies from the wreckage south of Castor Peak.^{5 Nov}

Key moments

1. 3 NovLight aircraft crashes south of Castor Peak; two people dead.
2. 4 NovTransport accident commission opens inquiry into fatal Nelson crash.
3. 5 NovCompany confirms its Cessna 172P was the aircraft; recovery of bodies ongoing.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.