What happened
On the morning of the accident, an aircraft with registration ZK-CLI arrived at a site from Stratford to perform agricultural work. Following a brief refueling stop around 08:35, the Fletcher departed again at approximately 08:45. The aircraft was transporting 815 kg of fertilizer toward a river flat area located within a bend of the Patea River.
While a ground crew member was preparing for subsequent sorties, the sound of an impact was heard. Upon inspecting the area, the driver discovered the wreckage of the Fletcher positioned nose-down on a hillside roughly 1,200 metres northeast of the airstrip. The crash occurred approximately ninety seconds after takeoff. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, though no fire was reported at the scene. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while there were no other occupants involved.
Findings
Investigation into the wreckage revealed that the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by the condition of the propeller. The aircraft's gross weight and center of gravity were confirmed to be within legal operating limits. Weather conditions at the time were fine with only a light breeze, and meteorological factors were not identified as contributors to the accident.
Evidence at the crash site included approximately 250 kg of fertilizer. It is believed that after completing two sowing passes over the river flat, the pilot attempted a steep climb to clear a nearby ridge. During a turn, the aircraft lost control and descended into the terrain.