Nelson – Christchurch

On February 18, 1959 at 12:00 AM, Nelson – Christchurch experienced a crash involving Lockheed 10 Electra, operated by Trans Island Airways - New Zealand, with the event recorded near Christchurch Canterbury 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.

3 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 3 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 1, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. On touchdown at Christchurch Airport, the rain main gear collapsed. The twin engine airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest in a grassy area. All three occupants were uninjured and the aircraft was not repaired. Built in 1937, the airplane christened 'Spirit of Tasman Bay' was the last Lockheed 10 Electra in service in New Zealand.

Aircraft reference details include registration ZK-BUT, MSN 1138, year of manufacture 1937.