Convair Division of General Dynamics Corporation CV-580, ZK-KFU, 19 km north of Paraparaumu Aerodrome, New Zealand, on 3 October 2003

On 3 October 2003, Convair 580, registered ZK-KFU, was operating on a scheduled night freight flight from Christchurch to Palmerston North, New Zealand. After passing Paraparaumu Non-Direction Beacon (NDB), the crew were cleared by air traffic control for descent and approach to Palmerston North. Shortly after, the aircraft was observed on radar to enter a tightening left turn and disappear from the controller’s display. Attempts to contact the crew were unsuccessful and a search for the aircraft was commenced.