Two dead after light plane crashes in rugged terrain near Nelson

2026-11-04 12:45Author: Linda Hu

SummaryTwo people have died after a Cessna 172P crashed south of Castor Peak near Nelson on Tuesday morning. The aircraft left Nelson Airport at around 9.10am and was reported overdue shortly before midday. A recovery operation and Civil Aviation Authority investigation are under way.

HouGarden New Zealand, 4 November — Nelson area commander Steven Collins confirmed the two fatalities on Tuesday night after the aircraft was located. Work to recover the deceased was ongoing, and investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority were set to examine the crash scene.

The privately owned Cessna 172P — a four-seat light aircraft — departed Nelson Airport at approximately 9.10am on Tuesday. It was reported overdue shortly before midday, prompting a coordinated search and rescue response.

AGENT SHOWCASE LISTINGS

FlightRadar24 data shows the plane climbed to around 3,100 feet before descending to 1,800 feet in just 49 seconds, after which it disappeared from flight tracking.

Nelson Aero Club instructor Shem Love told Stuff that an aircraft dropping off FlightRadar24 was not necessarily unusual in itself. However, he said it was "definitely concerning" that the plane had left shortly after 9am and had not returned.

Love said there had been some low cloud in the Nelson area on Tuesday, though he was unsure of conditions at the specific location where the aircraft went missing. "It can be difficult flying conditions particularly if you are underneath clouds. It is mountainous and rugged terrain with lots of valleys that look similar to each other," he said.

Love added that the apparent rapid descent could indicate the pilot was trying to get below cloud cover or was carrying out mountain-flying practice.

Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre coordinated the search. Hato Hone St John deployed two helicopters to assist. Police were placed on standby, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand was also notified and held in reserve.

Love confirmed the crashed aircraft did not belong to Nelson Aero Club. The registered owner declined to comment to Stuff, saying it was out of "respect" to those involved, but indicated a statement would be made in due course.

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