What happened
During a local topdressing operation in the Waimangu area, an aircraft experienced a critical loss of power immediately following departure. The pilot was the only person on board at the time of the incident. As the engine failed to maintain sufficient thrust, the aircraft's altitude decreased rapidly. During the descent, the right wing made contact with a hedge, leading to a crash.
This accident resulted in one fatality, as the pilot was killed in the impact.
Findings
Investigations into the mechanical failure revealed that the engine power loss was triggered by a specific obstruction within the fuel system. It was determined that a single grain of sand had completely blocked an injector, which prevented the engine from producing the necessary power for a safe climb after takeoff.