Two people missing after light plane crashes into sea in New Zealand

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-3-30 14:28:02

A light plane crashed into the sea off the coast of Kawhia in New Zealand North Island's Waikato region on Saturday.

Wreckage has been found but two people were missing.

The Rescue Co-ordination Centre said the twin-engined Beechcraft Baron aircraft was flying from Ardmore to Timaru when it reported engine failure and lost radar contact, at about 12.20 pm on Saturday, Radio New Zealand reported.

It said the wreckage and an oil slick has been found 20 km north west of the entrance to Kawhia Harbour near Gannet Island.

Spokesperson Steve Rendle said a helicopter was doing an aerial search while the coastguard is scouring the sea for the missing people.

He said search conditions are reasonably good and they are working on the basis they are searching for survivors.

Rendle said a coastguard vessel is picking up debris from the crash, but the plane has already sunk.

Posted in: Asia-Pacific

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