Whenuapai – Paraparaumu

On March 18, 1949 at 09:40 AM, Whenuapai – Paraparaumu experienced a crash involving Lockheed C-60 LodeStar, operated by New Zealand National Airways, with the event recorded near Waikanae Greater Wellington Regional Council.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a plain, valley crash site.

15 people were known to be on board, 15 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 13, passenger fatalities: 13, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. 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.

Aircraft reference details include registration ZK-AKX, MSN 2382, year of manufacture 1943.