Robinson R66 accident near Winton, Nz, November 14, 2016
On November 14, 2016 at about 2:30 am local time, a Robinson R66 (helicopter), registered ZKHAG, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Winton. No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- November 14, 2016 · about 2:30 am local time
- Place
- Winton, New Zealand
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- not recorded
- Aircraft
- Robinson R66 NO SERIES · all R66s on the register
- Registration
- ZKHAG · no longer on the register · serial 0015
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Flight
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On November 14, 2016, at 0230 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-66, ZK-HAG, operated by Heliops Southland Limited under the pertinent regulations of the government of New Zealand, was substantially damaged after the helicopter experienced a low rotor RPM warning after turning downwind on a spraying run, near Winton, New Zealand and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot was not 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: Transport Accident Investigation Commission P.O. Box 10323, The Terrace Wellington 6143, New Zealand Level 16, 80 the Terrace Wellington 6011, New Zealand Phone 0800 188 926 Fax +64 4 499 1510 Website: http://www.taic.org.nz
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Unknown or undetermined during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
The aircraft
- Maximum gross weight: 2,698 lb
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rolls-Royce (turboshaft); 0 hours total
Weather at the time
- Temperature: 0°F (-18°C), dew point 0°F (-18°C)
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.