Technical assistance to the TAIC - Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44 ZK-HBQ Kahurangi National Park, near Nelson, New Zealand, on 7 October 2014

AE-2014-169

Summary

On 7 October 2014, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration ZK-HBQ, collided with terrain in the Kahurangi National Park, near Nelson, New Zealand.

The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. As part of its investigation, TAIC requested technical assistance from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in the recovery of data from a damaged GPS unit recovered from the wreckage. To protect the information supplied by TAIC to the ATSB and the ATSB's investigative work to assist TAIC, the ATSB initiated an investigation under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The ATSB successfully recovered data from the GPS unit and has provided the data to TAIC to assist with their investigation.

Enquiries relating to the accident investigation should be directed to TAIC at: www.taic.org.nz

 

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Released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number AE-2014-169
Occurrence date 07/10/2014
Location Kahurangi National Park, near Nelson, New Zealand
State International
Report release date 02/06/2015
Report status Final
Investigation level Defined
Investigation type External Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Fatal

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Co
Model R44
Registration ZK-HBQ
Sector Helicopter
Damage Destroyed