NZ authorities open investigation into fatal helicopter crash

By Andrew Curran.

The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has commenced an inquiry into a fatal helicopter crash on the South Island on May 17, 2026.

An Airbus AS350B3 helicopter crashed in Mount Aspiring National Park killing the pilot and a tour guide.

The helicopter, ZK-IJW (msn 4735), is owned by the Alpine Group, a family-owned business with interests in aviation and tourism, among other things. Its businesses include Alpine Helicopters, Southern Lakes Helibike, and Southern Lakes Heliski.

The company told Radio New Zealand that its pilot and guide were ferrying around three passengers on a guided hunting tour “in clear and calm conditions.”

The crashed happened in the Upper Te Naihi River in South Westland, northwest of Wanaka.

While the TAIC statement said the three passengers experienced “minor injuries,” Cromwell CIB Detective Sergeant Sarah Waugh said only the pilot and tour guide were onboard at the time. After the crash, rescuers located the three passengers on the ground and ferried them to safety.

The helicopter wreckage will be removed and flown to Wellington for further investigation.Top of Form

You can read the TAIC’s initial comments on the accident here

Photo: New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com