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Story: Air crashes

Helicopter wreckage

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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.

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Reference: 4593

Image: 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, https://teara.govt.nz/en/speech/6552/helicopter-wreckage (accessed 21 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 2 March 2009.