What happened
During agricultural spraying operations at a property known as Kotup anduna, an aircraft departed Armidale between 07:15 and 07:30. The mission involved spreading superphosphate from an airstrip situated at an elevation of 4,400 feet above mean sea level. Following the initial period of work, the crew performed refueling and took a break. After a second period of spreading, the pilot and the loader-driver took a lunch break.
Upon resuming operations, the pilot requested a one-tonne load of superphosphate, noting the aircraft's performance was satisfactory. After warming up the engine, the pilot executed a standard takeoff heading northeast before banking left to navigate toward the treatment area. During this maneuver, the loader-driver noted that the aircraft was flying lower and closer to the strip than usual. The aircraft appeared unable to gain enough altitude to clear an obstacle in its path. As the aircraft entered a climbing left turn toward the driver, superphosphate began to discharge from the plane. The left wingtip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to cartwheel and come to a stop approximately 200 to 300 meters from the dump site. The pilot was found unresponsive in the cockpit.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a climbing left turn when the wingtip made contact with the terrain.
- The aircraft failed to clear a hill located in the flight path during the maneuver.
- The flight involved a payload of one tonne of superphosphate.