Sergeant Lou Grant died when his helicopter was involved in a mid-air collision with a light civil aircraft. Also killed in the crash were Constable Alastair Sampson and TFO Ross Harvey.

The accident occurred in daylight with excellent visibility, in uncontrolled airspace (class G), with both aircraft flying under visual flight rules. Both the helicopter and aeroplane were operated by Airwork (NZ), and working under contract to the New Zealand Police at the time of the accident.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigation found the accident occurred because neither pilot saw the other aircraft.