On this date: 1995 - Aircraft Crash

On this date in Disaster History, Ansett New Zealand Flight 703 crashed in the area of the Tararua Mountain Range approximately 10 miles east of Palmerston North, its destination airport. The aircraft was a de Havviland Canada DHC-8-102, commonly known as a Dash-8, which was powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW120A turboprop engines. The aircraft was carrying a total of 21 occupants which included three (3) crew and 18 passengers. One (1) crew member and three (3) passengers were killed.

Source: http://goo.gl/FRKrS

The cause of the crash is a bit complicated. In short, while on approach to Palmerston North, the crew received a landing gear malfunction indicator. The captain and first officer engaged in conversation regarding the gear failure situation, a gear failure check list, and the use of the alternate (hydraulic) gear mechanism to lower the gear. At some point during the exchange the aircraft collided with the slope of a low range of hills. While the collision alarm sounded, accident occurred a mere five (5) seconds later. One report suggest that there nay have been an altimeter malfunction. Pilot distraction with the landing gear problem may also have been a contributing factor. 

Sources
http://goo.gl/yQ3rR
http://goo.gl/MFqVK

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Steven Kuhr

Emergency Management Nexus
Disaster History

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