Air New Zealand crew action prevents mid-air collision, investigation under way

Photo / Grant Bradley

An investigation is under way after an Air New Zealand plane was forced to take action to avoid a mid-air collision with a smaller plane.

The incident occurred on the morning of August 28 over Northland.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission launched an investigation saying an Air New Zealand Q300 passenger aircraft ZK-NES, flying from Whangārei to Auckland, was involved in the near-miss.

A Beech 76 Duchess aircraft ZK-JED, en route from Auckland to Whangārei, was the other plane involved, with both flights being on reciprocal tracks.

“A close proximity event occurred and the crew of ZK-NES took avoiding action.”

An Air New Zealand de Havilland Q300, like the one pictured, was involved in the near-miss collision while on an Auckland to Whangārei flight. Photo / Grant Bradley

“There was no collision, no damage, and nobody was injured.”

The incident occurred near Brynderwyn, between Auckland and Whangārei.

Air New Zealand said this is currently an open TAIC investigation so it is unable to comment

- More to come