Air Transport

The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority expects to complete in September a draft notice of proposed rule making for the implementation of terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) on Part 135 aircraft (with fewer than 10 seats).

The CAA’s move follows a number of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents in the country involving aircraft operating under Part 135.

The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) this month released final reports on two recent CFIT crashes, which both involved Piper PA34-200T Senecas.

A Seneca II, on a charter flight from New Plymouth to Nelson, crashed into Mount Taranaki/Egmont about 150ft (45m) below the summit in November 2004. The pilot and one passenger were killed in the crash. The TAIC says the pilot may have entered cloud as he flew south, been unable to distinguish the snow- and ice-covered summit against a cloud background or the nose of the aircraft could have obscured his view of the summit.

In February 2005 a Seneca on a charter flight from Ardmore to Taupo crashed into Mount Tauhara, 8km (4.3nm) from Taupo aerodrome, on an instrument approach, killing the pilot and two passengers.

The pilot was found to have consumed cannabis 12-24h before the accident and, in addition to highlighting the urgent need to have TAWS installed in Part 135 aircraft, the TAIC also notes the lack of a suitable drug and alcohol test.

The CAA is unable to give a precise timeframe for TAWS implementation as it is dependent on the completion of the consultation process.