Mount Cook AT72 near Palmerston on Feb 23rd 2014, burning odour on board

A Mount Cook Airlines Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-500 on behalf of Air New Zealand, flight NZ-5031 from Hamilton to Wellington (New Zealand), was enroute near Palmerston (New Zealand) when a faint burning odour on board prompted the crew to divert to Palmerston North Airport. While descending towards the aerodrome the odour became stronger and stronger. The aircraft landed safely about 10 minutes after the decision to divert.

Passengers reported the crew announced a technical problem.

The remainder of the flight was cancelled, the passengers made it to Wellington by road transport.