Crash of a Cessna 208 Caravan I off Kaikoura: 2 killed

Date & Time: Nov 27, 1987 at 2355 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
ZK-SFB
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Christchurch - Wellington
MSN:
208-0059
YOM:
1985
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
While cruising by night at an altitude of 11,000 feet on a cargo flight from Christchurch to Wellington, the pilot encountered icing conditions. The airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in the sea off Kaikoura. Both occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The following findings were reported:
- Icing conditions,
- The aircraft was not equipped with deicing systems,
- The pilot was tired due to a duty period more than 18 hours,
- The pilot loaded and unloaded more than 10 tons of cargo during the day,
- The pilot was soaked by rain while doing so because no foul weather gear was provided,
- The pilot did not have sufficient rest time,
- The pilot did not have a proper brake time and meal,
- The pilot was not properly trained concerning indoctrination course and suffered hypoxia in flight.

Crash of an Avro 504K in Motunau: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 30, 1921 at 1115 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
D6243
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kaikoura – Christchurch
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot H. C. Grout was performing some demo flights in the region of Blenheim. After a stop in Kaikoura, he was positioning to his base in Christchurch. En route, the engine failed and he was forced to attempt an emergency landing. At low height, the airplane stalled and crashed in a wheat field near Motunau. Seriously injured, the pilot was evacuated to a local hospital but died from his injuries in the evening. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Engine failure.