New Zealand National Airways

Douglas DC-3

While descending to Tauranga Airport in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft struck the slope of Mt Ngatamahinerua located 30 km west of Tauranga Airport. The aircraft was destroyed and all 23 occupants were killed.

Douglas DC-3

On final approach to Paraparaumu Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. Then captain was able to restart the engine but the aircraft lost speed and height. While trying to climb, the aircraft banked right and hit a house, shearing off 12 feet of the right wing. The airplane passed between two houses and eventually crashed in a wooded area. The aircraft was destroyed, three children were killed and all other occupants were injured, some of them seriously.

De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide

The aircraft was parked at Rotorua Airport and ready for its schedule flight to Hamilton Airport (Rukuhia). During engine start up, a fire erupted from the left engine and the fire spread to the dry grass. The aircraft caught fire and all five occupants were able to vacate the cabin before the aircraft would be completely destroyed by fire.

Lockheed C-60 LodeStar

The descent to Paraparaumu was started in marginal weather conditions. On approach, at an altitude of 2,000 feet, the twin engine aircraft christened 'Keruru' hit tree tops and crashed on the wooded slope of a mountain located in Waikanae, about 11 km from the airport. The wreckage was reached by rescuers two hours later. The aircraft was destroyed and all 15 occupants were killed.

Lockheed 10 Electra

En route, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions with strong winds and rain showers. In low visibility, the aircraft christened 'Kaka' hit the slope of Mt Ruapehu and disintegrated on impact, killing all 13 occupants. The aircraft was off course at the time of the accident.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

About 15 minutes after takeoff from Blenheim-Woodbourne Airport, while on a cargo flight to Paraparaumu, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. The aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located in Rununder Point, near Port Underwood, 32 km northeast of Blenheim. Both pilots were killed. Crew: Murdo McLeod, R. J. R. H. Makgill.

Lockheed 10 Electra

The twin engine aircraft christened 'Kahu' left Auckland Airport at 1435LT bound for Gisborne with an intermediate stop in Tauranga. On final approach, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with thunderstorm activity and strong winds. The aircraft lost height and crashed in the Waipu Bay, less than 200 yards from the runway threshold. All 12 occupants were rescued while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. Crew: A. C. Harris, pilot, G. E. Bruce, copilot.