In shocking weather conditions, the DC-3 plunged into a rock ravine near the top of the Kaimai Ranges (close to Mt. Ngatamahinerua). All 20 passengers and the three crew members were killed.
Contemporary Gisborne Herald reporting identified the following Gisborne residents as being killed in the air accident.
Mr and Mrs F Tolerton: Mr Tolerton was a retired man who formerly worked in the freezing works industry, was a Gisborne Borough councillor from 1938 to 1953 and Deputy Mayor from 1947 to 1953.
S Seymour: A 27-year-old nurse who had come home from Australia to visit her mother who was ill in Te Puia Springs Hospital.
T Grace: A 20-year-old man on leave from the navy.
Mr (Norman) and Mrs Morris: Worked in their family-owned clothing business.
Twenty four hours after impact, the wreckage was discovered after a big search involving many volunteers.
It was the first time helicopters were used in a major aviation search and recovery operation in New Zealand.
The tragic accident was a profound shock to the prosperity and optimism of a growing post-war nation.
The accident was front-page news for days.
Rev. Dr Richard Waugh, who has initiated past anniversary events and is author of Kaimai Crash – New Zealand’s Worst Internal Air Disaster, says 60th anniversary commemorations will likely be the final time “for relatives of those lost, and others with direct involvement by way of search and recovery efforts, to gather together to pay their respects”.
Already many family members have confirmed their attendance, including the supporters of 86-year-old Sandy Saussey, the young wife of Captain Len Enchmarch who died in the crash.
“Pastoral support for family members will be paramount and our organising group is grateful to have support from Air New Zealand, the Matamata-Piako District Council, and from many others for this special anniversary time.”
An outdoor public service is planned at the national memorial plaque on Old Te Aroha Road, near Gordon, at 9am on Monday, July 3.
It will be led by Rev. Dr Waugh and have iwi and local civic involvement.
There will be a fly-past tribute by the Auckland based Fly-DC-3, the aircraft being the same as the ill-fated DC-3.
Mayor Adrienne Wilcock said the Matamata-Piako District Council was pleased to be supporting the 60th anniversary memorial service.
“The awful accident of six decades ago involved many of our Te Aroha, Matamata and district residents who volunteered in the search and assisted in other ways.
“The memorial on Old Te Aroha Road is a special place in our district to remember a national tragedy and I look forward to having a role in the service and welcoming many of the families and other visitors to our district.”
At 1.30pm, a permanent memorial display to the air accident will be dedicated at the Classic Flyers Museum at Tauranga Airport.
Museum trustee Andrew Gormlie said it was appropriate the museum be the venue for a much-needed display about the accident.
The memorial would be in tribute to those who died and those who did all they could to assist in the disaster.
“Design work is now well advanced, and we invite the public to attend and to reflect and remember the air accident.
“From such accidents there have come many helpful lessons that make our flying so reliable and safe today.”
For more information contact enquire@classicflyersnz.com
