Christchurch - Paraparaumu
Flight / Schedule
Christchurch - Paraparaumu
Aircraft
Douglas DC-3Registration
ZK-AQT
MSN
15948/32696
Year of Manufacture
1945
Operator
New Zealand National AirwaysDate
May 22, 1954 at 09:23 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Paraparaumu-Kapiti Coast Greater Wellington Regional Council
Region
Oceania • New Zealand
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On May 22, 1954 at 09:23 AM, Christchurch - Paraparaumu experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-3, operated by New Zealand National Airways, with the event recorded near Paraparaumu-Kapiti Coast Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.
28 people were known to be on board, 3 fatalities were recorded, 25 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 10.7%.
Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 25, passenger fatalities: 3, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. 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.
Aircraft reference details include registration ZK-AQT, MSN 15948/32696, year of manufacture 1945.
Fatalities
Total
3
Crew
0
Passengers
3
Other
0
Crash Summary
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.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
3
Passengers On Board
25
Estimated Survivors
25
Fatality Rate
10.7%
Known people on board: 28
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Christchurch - Paraparaumu
Operator
New Zealand National AirwaysFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
Oceania • New Zealand
Aircraft Details
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