What happened
On 21 November 2005, the pilot of ZK-DZG, a Fletcher FU24-950, reported to a company engineer that the airspeed indicator was stuck at 80 knots. Following advice to have the pitot-static line cleared, the pilot continued agricultural operations the following morning at an airstrip located 50 km northwest of Whangarei. During the morning, weather conditions deteriorated due to increasing winds.
At approximately 1131, the aircraft departed the airstrip for Whangarei Aerodrome with the pilot and a passenger on board. GPS data indicates the flight path initially drifted slightly right of the direct route before turning toward the aerodrome and Pukenui Forest. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at an altitude of roughly 500 feet, noting that strong southern winds were causing the plane to drift and rock. One observer reported seeing the aircraft enter a steep, tightening descending turn.
Another witness later observed the aircraft flying near the tree line at approximately 1140. The wreckage of ZK-DZG was discovered the following morning, situated 50 metres below a ridge in Pukenui Forest. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
- The pilot had been aware of a malfunctioning airspeed indicator prior to the flight.
- The aircraft was operating in squally weather conditions with strong, constant winds from the south.
- The pilot had mentioned a minor electrical fault to a ground witness, though it was not considered a primary concern.
- There was no evidence of radio communication from the aircraft during the final flight segment.