Search underway for overdue light plane in New Zealand-Xinhua - 新华网

WELLINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Rescue teams are searching for an overdue light aircraft in the Nelson region on New Zealand's South Island after it disappeared from radar on Tuesday.

The privately owned Cessna 172P, which can carry up to four people, departed Nelson Airport at about 9:10 a.m. local time. The search is concentrated around the Bryant Range, northeast of Nelson, local media Stuff reported.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft reached an altitude of 3,100 feet before descending to 1,800 feet in 49 seconds and subsequently disappearing from radar, the report said.

Experts said the mountainous and rugged terrain, with numerous similar-looking valleys, could make flying difficult, particularly when flying below cloud cover, according to Stuff. ■