Eight people were killed today when a chartered light aircraft carrying 10 passengers crashed in fog near New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport, authorities said.
The Piper Chieftain aircraft carrying Christchurch business executives disappeared of radar screens at about 7.15 p.m. (8.15 a.m. Irish time).
The wreckage was found near a crematorium four kilometres short of the runway after almost two hours' searching in fog.
Mr Bellew said the aircraft was en route from Palmerston North in the centre of New Zealand's North Island and had been on approach to the airport when it dropped off the radar.
He said the fog had prevented helicopters from searching the area in a rescue operation further hampered by the fact the aircraft's locator beacon had not been activated.
Local radio said the passengers were scientists of the government-owned Crown Research Institute who had been attending a conference.
AFP