What happened
An aerial topdressing mission was being conducted from an airstrip situated on a headland near Matakana. The task involved spreading 60 tonnes of granulated superphosphate. Prior to departure, the pilot requested the removal of some saplings at the runway end to ensure a clear climb path. After loading 915 kgs of fertilizer and additional fuel, the aircraft began its first flight of the day.
During the operation, the loader observed a cloud of dust at the end of the runway, suggesting the load had been released. Shortly after, the loader spotted the Cessna (implied by context, though source only provides registration) ZK-CBI flying at a low altitude on a course opposite to its takeoff direction, with fertilizer trailing from the hopper. The aircraft then disappeared behind trees.
Following the aircraft's failure to return, a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of the wreckage in dense scrub approximately 350 metres left of the runway's departure end. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed in the impact. Investigation revealed that the pilot had begun jettisoning the load only 36 metres before reaching the boundary fence. It remains uncertain if the aircraft was still on the ground or airborne at low speed when it struck a concrete post and wire fence.
Findings
- The collision with the fence caused severe damage to the all-flying tailplane, nearly severing both sides of the stabilator.
- While the pilot managed to clear a nearby ridge and perform a 180-degree turn to attempt a landing, the outer portion of the right-hand side of the stabilator detached during the approach.
- This loss of control caused the aircraft to dive steeply into the ground, resulting in the destruction of the ZK-CBI.
- The primary cause was that the pilot failed to release the load early enough to compensate for reduced takeoff performance caused by kikuyu grass on the runway surface.