The Kaimai Air Disaster. July 3, 1963 (Event)

SummaryOn July 3, 1963, a DC-3 Skyliner flew from Auckland for Wellington with planned stops at Tauranga, Gisborne, and Napier. Facing unexpected and severe storm conditions, an intense downdraft, caused it to crash into a ridge near the peak of Mount Ngatamahinerua in the Kaimai Ranges around 9:09 a.m., just short of Tauranga. The crash was primarily due to inadequate wind forecasting, compounded by low altitude and navigational challenges.

Nearby Gordon Quarry workers, were the first to attempt a major search however dense mist, rough terrain, and poor weather forced them to retreat. The search operation was coordinated from Gordon Quarry. It took two days to discover the wreckage.Date of Event3 July, 1963

Photographs

Aircraft wreckage. Ron Wright

Helicopter pilot Mike Alexander on site at Kaimai air disaster 1963

1963 Kaimai air disaster helicopter and search teams

Kaimai air disaster search and rescue in-field radio operator, 1963

Kaimai air disaster volunteers briefing, 1963

Kaimai air disaster volunteers unload jeep, 1963

Kaimai air disaster search and rescue volunteers 1963

Search and rescue volunteers arrive by tractor, 1963

Kaimai air disaster search and rescue volunteers cross a river, 1963

Search teams assemble during 1963 Kaimai air disaster

1963 Kaimai air disaster helicopter and search teams

Stories - People

Casualties of the 1963 Kaimai Air Disaster

Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-5166

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesLicenseCC BY 4.0AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, The Kaimai Air Disaster. July 3, 1963 (Event).

Admin

AuthorTauranga City Libraries - Harley CouperTaxonomyStories | Events

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The Kaimai Air Disaster. July 3, 1963 (Event)