ENG15RA030

On 7 January 2015, a Pacific Aerospace Limited 750XL airplane, registration No. ZK-SDT, while performing commercial skydiving operations, experienced an engine failure while climbing through approximately 3000 feet, after take-off from Taupo Aerodrome in the central North Island, New Zealand. It was reported that sparks and flames were emitted from the exhaust and cowls and then shortly afterwards the engine stopped running. The skydive passengers departed the aircraft at altitude and all arrived safely on the ground. The pilot also safely departed the aircraft before it crashed into a lake. The aircraft engine was subsequently recovered and sent to Pratt & Whitney Canada Service Centre for investigation in the presence of a Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of New Zealand. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: NEW ZEALAND The Chief Executive Officer Transport Accident Investigation Commission 11 Cigna House 40 Mercer Street P.O. Box 10-323 Wellington 6143 New Zealand Tel.: (64) 4-473-0199 (24 hours) (64) 4-473-3112 E-mail: inquiries@taic.org.nz Fax: (64) 4-499-1510 AFTN: NZHOYAYX Cable: CIVAIR NZ Website: http://www.taic.org.nz This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by the Government of New Zealand.