Grantham House Publishing, Wellington, 1994, 292 pages.

This very readable, thoroughly researched book is the first to describe and analyse the aviation accidents and disasters that have claimed hundreds of New Zealand lives since 1899. From a detailed examination of the Erebus disaster and the controversial Roayl Commission of Inquiry that followed it, John King goes on to explain some of the factors that caused those crashes and how advances in equipment and aircraft design have helped to make the skies safer for pilots and their passengers.

The author is himself a pilot and an experienced aviation writer. Lavish use of illustrations helps to make 'Aviation Accidents and Disasters' an important and fascinating addition to New Zealand's aviation literature.