What happened
On the morning of the accident, the pilot began flight operations at 07:30, traveling to an airstrip to prepare for topdressing tasks. During a survey flight conducted around 08:30, the pilot and a passenger identified a 220 kilovolt power transmission line spanning the eastern portion of the farm. Following this survey, the pilot completed a separate sowing task at another location.
After refueling, the pilot returned to the original area to begin topdressing. While performing these maneuvers, the aircraft, registration ZK-CPN, was observed by two ground workers near a fence line. The witnesses noted the aircraft approaching from the airstrip and passing behind a large knoll. As the plane reappeared, it was seen performing a steep right bank and a turn. The observers witnessed a white object detach from the aircraft immediately before the plane entered a dive into the terrain.
Upon reaching the site, the workers discovered the wreckage of the Fletcher FU-24 overturned in a creek. There was no fire at the scene, but there were two fatalities as no survivors were found. The weather conditions during the flight were reported as clear with high clouds and visibility of approximately 30 km.
Findings
An investigation into the wreckage determined that a lower conductor wire from the high-voltage line had severed 1.4 meters of the right wing's outboard section. Physical evidence on the transmission line confirmed an aircraft impact. Additionally, the right-hand aileron balance was found detached from the wing section, having been struck by the wire during the encounter. This damage caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrollable roll to the right and a near-vertical dive into the ground.