1 fatality

1995-06-07: Fletcher FU-24 (ZK-EMU) — Fieldair — Lake Grassmere, New Zealand

Lake Grassmere, New ZealandTakeoff (climb)

On June 7, 1995, a Fletcher FU-24 (registration ZK-EMU) operated by Fieldair was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Grassmere, New Zealand during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot incapacitation was the probable cause of this accident. The incapacitation of this pilot was an unusual event, and could not have been predicted or prevented by any reasonable or effective medical screening process. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207950Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control and crashed on hilly terrain after takeoff from a field in Lake Grassmere during the eighth sortie of the morning. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot was killed. Official findings cite pilot incapacitation as the probable cause.

Accident Summary

Shortly after takeoff from a field located in Lake Grassmere, while completing the eighth sortie of the morning, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft subsequently crashed on hilly terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot was killed.

Investigation Findings

Investigators determined that the pilot became incapacitated during the flight. The incapacitation was described as an unusual event that could not have been predicted or prevented by any reasonable or effective medical screening process. No other factors were identified as contributing to the loss of control.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was pilot incapacitation.