What happened
During a local topdressing operation in Waimangu, a solo pilot was operating an aircraft when a critical mechanical failure occurred. Shortly after the aircraft departed from the runway, the engine experienced a loss of power. This loss of propulsion caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.
As the aircraft descended, the right wing made contact with a hedge, leading to a crash. The pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the accident, sustained fatal injuries in the impact.
Findings
- The primary sequence of events began with an engine power loss during the initial climb phase.
- The loss of altitude led to the aircraft striking vegetation (a hedge) during the descent.