Christchurch – Wellington

On April 1, 1990 at 12:00 AM, Christchurch – Wellington experienced a crash involving Armstrong Whitworth AW.650 Argosy, operated by Safe Air, with the event recorded near Blenheim Marlborough District Council.

The flight was categorized as cargo and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

2 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 2 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: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. On final approach to Wellington Airport, the crew selected gear down but the left main gear failed to lock down. The crew decided to divert to Blenheim Airport for an emergency landing. Upon touchdown on runway 25, the left main gear collapsed and the aircraft came to rest. Both pilots escaped uninjured.

Aircraft reference details include registration ZK-SAF, MSN 6801, year of manufacture 1965.