The cove near Curio Bay at the centre of the search for Michael Zhao-Beckenridge, 11, and his stepfather John Beckenridge. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
A crash expert has told a Coroner's hearing into the disappearance of John Beckenridge and his step-son Mike that it's likely someone would've been behind the wheel of their car as it went off a cliff.
The 64 year old man and the eleven year old boy went missing in March 2015.
Mr Beckenridge's four wheel drive was later found in the sea at the bottom of a cliff in the Catlins, but their bodies have never been found.
Anna Sargent was at the hearing.
