EBU missing on charter flight in South Island since 1978

A three-day search operation for Aircraft ZK-EBU will start at Lake Moeraki near Haast on the West Coast on Monday. Photo / Google Maps

A search is resuming for an aircraft that went missing on a scenic flight in the South Island half a century ago.

Police say a three-day operation to solve the near 50-year mystery will start on Monday at Lake Moeraki near Haast on the West Coast.

Aircraft ZK-EBU went missing in 1978. There were seven people on board when it disappeared.

The New Zealand Defence Force and Coastguard West Coast will join in the search effort.

Acting West Coast Area Commander Mark Kirkwood said: “The boat ramp at the northern entrance to the lake will be used throughout the search.

“To ensure the safe movement of personnel and equipment, we ask that the area be kept clear for the duration of the operation.”