TAIC investigating crash of Robinson R66 near Makara

16 Nov 2025
Side view of Robinson R66 Turbine helicopter ZK-IXT parked on a grass apron beside a hangar. The helicopter is painted black with ‘SCN Helicopters Ltd’ markings on the cabin door and tail boom. Main rotor blades are stationary; skids have ground-handling wheels. Tail rotor with black-and-white striped blades is visible, along with ‘IXT’ identification on the vertical fin. Various safety-warning decals are present on the tail boom
The accident helicopter. File shot 2023. (c) Cody Forward | Jetphotos

The Commission is investigating a accident in which a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed on coastal land near the Makara Wind Farm, to the West of Wellington. 

The helicopter, registration ZK-IXT was operated by SCN Helicopters Limited. 

The reported circumstances were that activation of the helicopter’s Emergency Locator Transmitter alerted emergency services. The pilot was recovered by the Westpac helicopter and taken to Wellington Hospital.