Fatal Agricultural Aircraft Collision with a Tree Near Rotorua (ZK-CMJ)

Incident Overview and Location Details A pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was conducting a local topdressing sowing flight in the region of Mourea, located north of Rotorua. The aircraft was operating at a low cruising altitude when the incident occurred. The pilot was flying directly into the sun at the time of the collision. The aircraft struck a tree that was 27.5 meters high, which resulted in the left wing being torn off. The aircraft became out of control and dove into the ground, crashing in flames approximately 100 meters from the point of impact. The pilot was killed in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation did not reveal any mechanical failure, and the aircraft was found to be properly maintained. The probable cause was attributed to the pilot failing to see the tree due to the glare of flying face to the sun.