Police, Coastguard, the Westpac Rescue helicopter and other emergency service staff are combing the Kapiti Coast after reports that a light plane has gone down in the sea somewhere off the Waikanae -- Peka Peka area.
Inspector John Spence, Kapiti Mana Police Area Controller, said late tonight that some debris has been found in the water, about half a mile out to sea off the Paraparaumu based Kapiti Boating Club and other debris is washing up on beaches in the Waikanae area.
The Convair plane is believed to have been carrying freight on a flight from Christchurch to Palmerston North. It’s possible at least two people were on board but there is no word yet on survivors.
Ohakea air control reported at 9.30pm that the plane had gone off the radar near Waikanae. Kapiti Coast residents reported hearing a bang and seeing objects fall from the sky.
No further details are available at this stage.
It’s been raining heavily in the Wellington region all day and tonight flooding and slips have cut the main State Highway 1 and the rail link north of Wellington to the Kapiti Coast at Pukerua Bay.