MD Helicopters 500N crash near Gisborne, New Zealand

On March 19, 2014, at 2030 universal coordinated time, a MD Helicopters 500N, ZK-HQP, was preparing for a fire lighting operation when it crashed in Hawkes Bay near Gisborne, New Zealand. The helicopter was operated by Gisborne Helicopters Limited under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of New Zealand. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was fatally injured. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of New Zealand. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Government of New Zealand. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Civil Aviation Authority Safety Investigations Unit Level 15, Asteron Centre 55 Featherston St Wellington 6011, New Zealand Tel: (64) 04-560-9400