A Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) report released today detailed a serious incident involving an Air New Zealand Q300 passenger flight in June 2023. The flight descended to 1,156 feet. The minimum safe altitude was 2,000 feet.
Investigators found that the pilots became fixated on visually locating the airport lights and used an incorrect autopilot mode, causing the rapid descent.
The report also raised concerns about the relationship between Air New Zealand and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). TAIC found the relationship was likely “too close in nature,” which may have impeded the CAA’s ability to provide impartial oversight. Some CAA staff expressed discomfort with the level of influence the airline appeared to have, raising concerns about the risk of regulatory capture.