The Fletcher Turbo Prop with 2 people abroad was reported missing at 11.30pm last night.

Rescue Coordination Centre NZ mission controller Neville Blakemore says the aircraft has an emergency locator beacon on board which hasn’t been detected by satellite. “A private helicopter flew over the flight path the top dresser would have taken last night yet was unable to detect any signal.” An aerial search commenced at first light this morning and is to follow the flight path the aircraft was likely to have taken.

The aircraft was last heard from at 11.36am yesterday morning, via a text message. Just prior to this, Whangarei airport had been advised by the aircraft that they were 15 minutes away from landing. Weather conditions at the time were low cloud and low visibility.

The aircraft was on route from south of Kaikohe to Whangarei airport for scheduled maintenance.

A further press release will be issued later today.

For further information contact:
Maritime New Zealand Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318

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