What happened
On the morning of 8 May 1995, a Fletcher FU24-950, registration ZK-EMB, was engaged in agricultural operations when it struck the ground. The aircraft, operated by a recently qualified pilot, was flying in a wings-level attitude but was in a stalled condition at a high rate of descent at the time of impact. The pilot sustained serious injuries during the accident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the pilot's recent training and the execution of the maneuver. Investigators examined the pilot's training history and found a lack of continuity in the documentation of his progress. Furthermore, the inquiry looked into the operational environment, specifically the perceived pressure on the pilot to maintain high productivity levels and minimize delays during his agricultural sorties. The investigation also analyzed the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft while performing a limit maneuver in close proximity to the terrain.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to the accident, most notably the aircraft's performance during a limit maneuver performed too close to the ground. The investigation established that the pilot was operating under significant perceived pressure to maximize productivity. Additionally, the pilot appeared to disregard cautions regarding his flying abilities. The investigation also highlighted systemic issues regarding training oversight, specifically noting that the pilot's training records lacked necessary continuity.