Accident Sequence
The aircraft was operating from an agricultural airstrip at 600 feet above mean sea level, spreading superphosphate over moderately steep undulating terrain. Each flight lasted 6–7 minutes. The accident flight was the seventh of the day and was likely intended to be the last.
A witness situated under the flight path reported that the aircraft was tracking east-north-east in what appeared to be normal flight. Her attention was briefly distracted; when she next saw the aircraft, it was in a near vertical dive with the upper surface of the wings facing her. The aircraft then struck the hillside and burst into flames.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-existing defect that may have contributed to the accident. Impact marks on the propeller indicated that the engine was operating at impact. The superphosphate load remained in the hopper, and the emergency dump system actuating lever was in the closed position. Inspection indicated the dump system was serviceable prior to impact.
Calculations showed that at the time of the accident the aircraft, although heavily loaded, was operating within the flight manual maximum weight limitation. A light north-easterly wind was observed at the airstrip. However, at the accident site, which was about 250 feet higher, the wind was a moderate west-north-westerly. Sky conditions were clear with a visibility of 30 km.
The investigation determined that the aircraft probably experienced windshear and turbulence as it encountered a quartering tailwind approaching the ridgeline. The result would have been a reduction in climb performance, and it is likely that the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft away from the rising terrain. During the turn it appears that the aircraft stalled and that the pilot was unable to regain control before it struck the ground.
Probable Cause
The reason the pilot did not dump the load when climb performance was reduced could not be determined. Contributing factors were: shifting wind conditions conducive to windshear and turbulence, the aircraft climbing at near to maximum allowable weight, and loss of control with insufficient height available to effect a recovery.