In July, the marking of 60 years since New Zealand's worst domestic air accident will be commemorated in Tauranga and Te Aroha.

On that fateful day of July 3, 1963, 23 people lost their lives when the NAC DC-3 they were aboard crashed into the Kaimai Range.

Flight 441 was on a scheduled New Zealand National Airways Corporation (NAC) flight from Auckland to Tauranga and then to Gisborne, Napier and Wellington.

The passengers onboard DC-3 Skyliner ZK-AYZ ‘Hastings' represented a cross section of New Zealand society at the time; men and women, Maori and Pakeha, young and old. They were travelling on business, on holiday, or to attend family events.

In shocking weather conditions, the DC-3 plunged into a rock ravine near the top of the Kaimai Range, close to Mount Ngatamahinerua, with the death of all three crew and 20 passengers.

After a big search that included many volunteers, the wreckage was finally discovered 24 hours later.

It was the first time helicopters were used in a major aviation search and recovery operation in New Zealand.

The remains of the port wing of DC-3 ZK-AYZ at the Kaimai Range crash site. Photo: via Richard Waugh.

The tragic accident was a profound shock to the prosperity and optimism of a growing post-war nation and the crash was front page news for days.

'The 60th anniversary of the tragic Kaimai air accident 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," says aviation historian and chaplain, Rev. Dr Richard Waugh.

Dr Waugh, of Howick Auckland, has initiated past anniversary events and is the author of the authoritative book, ‘Kaimai Crash – New Zealand's Worst Internal Air Disaster'.

"Already many family members have confirmed their attendance, including the support of 86-year-old Mrs Sandy Saussey, who 60 years ago was the young wife of Captain Len Enchmarch.

"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, which will be led by Rev. Dr Waugh and involving both 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.

'The Matamata-Piako District Council is pleased to be supporting the 60th anniversary memorial service on Old Te Aroha Road," says Mayor Adrienne Wilcock.

"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 on Monday July 3 a permanent memorial display to the air accident will be dedicated at the Classic Flyers Museum at Tauranga Airport.

'It is very appropriate that the museum be the venue for a much-needed display about the accident, and in tribute to those who died, and those who did all they could to assist the disaster," says Classic Flyers Museum trustee Andrew Gormlie.

"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.”