Story: Air crashes

Helicopter wreckage

This Jetranger helicopter crashed into the sea at Anaura Bay, north of Gisborne, in June 1989. It was carrying a film crew, including television presenter Paul Holmes. Appalling weather, encroaching darkness and poor visibility forced the pilot to follow the coastline at low altitude, and when he became disoriented in mist, the helicopter crashed into the sea and quickly sank. All five on board swam for the shore, but one man drowned. Paul Holmes talks about the ordeal.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Television – TV crews in helicopter accident/Reference number C890626A).

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Gisborne Herald

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Air crashes - Small aircraft accidents', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/6552/helicopter-wreckage (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 12 Jun 2006