Cessna 207, ZK-SEV, collision with terrain, Gertrude Saddle area 11 km southeast of Milford Sound, 19 January 2002
Status
Closed
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
Legacy Inquiry Number
02-001
On Saturday, 19 January 2002, at 0931, ZK-SEV, a Cessna 207, took off from Te Anau Aerodrome for Milford Sound Aerodrome. At about 1000 the aircraft collided with the side of a mountainous valley, approximately 4400 feet above sea level and 500 metres southeast of Gertrude Saddle, some 11 kilometres from Milford Sound. The pilot and 5 passengers on board died in the collision.
The aircraft probably had not reached a suitable altitude to safely cross over Gertrude Saddle, and the pilot probably left his decision too late to turn back in the valley in order to gain more height.
Safety issues identified were the lack of mandatory mountain-flying training aeroplane pilots must undergo, and the potential safety benefits that could be gained from such training. Safety recommendations addressing these issues were made to the Director of Civil Aviation.
The aircraft probably had not reached a suitable altitude to safely cross over Gertrude Saddle, and the pilot probably left his decision too late to turn back in the valley in order to gain more height.
Safety issues identified were the lack of mandatory mountain-flying training aeroplane pilots must undergo, and the potential safety benefits that could be gained from such training. Safety recommendations addressing these issues were made to the Director of Civil Aviation.
Location
near Milford sound (-44.741612,168.017693) [may be approximate]