Accident Overview
A pilot was conducting superphosphate spreading operations under fine and clear weather conditions. The paddock being treated sloped uphill, with heavily timbered peaks beyond. The pilot had spread the same paddock the previous day under similar conditions.
Flight and Maneuver
During the accident flight, the first swath run was completed normally. As the aircraft approached the hills, it did not gain appreciable height. It then adopted a steep nose-up attitude and commenced a wingover-type maneuver. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees and impacted the ground. A fierce fire broke out and engulfed the wreckage. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was hampered by extensive fire damage. No defect or malfunction was discovered that might have contributed to the accident. The reason the pilot, who had extensive agricultural experience, chose to conduct swath runs towards steeply rising ground was not determined.
Environmental Factors
The wind direction had changed since the previous day, and the aircraft was likely to have been affected by downdrafts on the lee side of the hills.
Pilot Actions and Performance
When the pilot realized the aircraft was not performing as expected, he evidently attempted to dump the remaining load and reverse the direction. However, there was insufficient aircraft performance available to successfully complete this maneuver.
Relevant Factors
The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1. The pilot elected to conduct spreading runs towards steeply rising ground, when safer alternatives were available. 2. It was likely that downdraft conditions existed on the lee side of the hills. 3. The pilot evidently misjudged the climb performance of the aircraft. 4. The pilot delayed attempting a reversal of direction beyond the point where such a maneuver could be safely accomplished.