A pilot was forced to make a second, fatal landing attempt due to cattle on an airstrip, a report has found.
Tauranga pilot Ian Sloan was killed when his planed nose-dived on a private airstrip near Arrowtown on October 17 this year.
His two passengers suffered serious injuries in the accident.
A preliminary report released today by the Civil Aviation Authority said Sloan's Cessna plane was being flown in a strong southwesterly wind.
"The aircraft made an initial approach to land on the airstrip, but as there were cattle on it, the pilot applied power to gain height, made a turn and approached the airstrip again from the opposite direction," the report said.
"During this approach to land, the aircraft experienced a quartering tailwind and strong cross-wind conditions."
A number of eye witnesses observed the aircraft at various stages during the approach and after the subsequent takeoff.
The passenger in the front seat had also used his iPhone to record the approach, landing, and takeoff.
"The aircraft did not touch down until more than half way down the airstrip, and the pilot aborted this landing applying full power.
"Seconds later, the aircraft made a turn to the left, lost airspeed and impacted the ground."
The investigation was continuing.
Following further inquiries, a draft report would be prepared and then a final report send to the Coroner.
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