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Down Under
Hijacked New Zealand plane crashes
2005-09-17
A light aircraft, hijacked by a pilot who threatened to crash it into New Zealand's highest building in Auckland, has plunged into the city's harbour. Radio New Zealand said the 328m Sky Tower was evacuated on Saturday after threats were made by the pilot, who said the plane had been stolen from a local airport south of Auckland. The tower sits on top of a large casino and hotel complex in the centre of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. It was not immediately clear how many people were aboard the plane and what their condition was. Police boats were moving towards the spot where the plane went down. Police were unavailable for comment and there were no further details.
Posted by:phil_b

#7  I just checked with the official RNZAF website. The nearest thing to a fighter is a Beech King Air. All they fly is choppers, trainers, transports and Orions.
Posted by: Grunter   2005-09-17 17:06  

#6  Didn't NZ get rid of its fighters?

Posted by: john   2005-09-17 16:41  

#5  RNZAF is missing, presumed dead.
Posted by: Grunter   2005-09-17 16:16  

#4  Unconfirmed reports are that a helicpoter forced it down. Appears RNZAF missing in this one.
Posted by: Pappy   2005-09-17 13:39  

#3  crashed into the sea, did it? no military jets seen nearby?
Posted by: Frank G   2005-09-17 13:28  

#2  Labor Party Wins Elections in New Zealand
Clarke wins
Posted by: GK   2005-09-17 12:16  

#1  UPDATE: Crashed it into the sea. I couldn't find anything more on this story at the BBC, but I did find this one, about a man threatening to blow himself up unless PM Helen Clark talked to him.

Yesterday were the NZ elections, by the way, in which Clark's party has very narrowly won re-election, according to the Beeb. According to Silent Running, it ain't over 'til it's over. But they may be thinking wishfully.
Posted by: Angie Schultz   2005-09-17 10:59  

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