Auckland – Tauranga – Gisborne

On April 19, 1948 at 03:20 PM, Auckland – Tauranga – Gisborne experienced a crash involving Lockheed 10 Electra, operated by New Zealand National Airways, with the event recorded near Tauranga Bay of Plenty 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.

12 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 12 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: 10, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is weather. 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.

Aircraft reference details include registration ZK-AGJ, MSN 1127, year of manufacture 1937.