Fatal aircraft accident during topdressing operation

1 fatality • Taihape, New Zealand • Flight

A pilot was killed when their aircraft struck terrain during a turning maneuver while performing topdressing duties in hilly terrain.

What happened

During an aerial topdressing mission in hilly terrain, the pilot was operating in favorable weather conditions. After completing a sowing phase, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude for reasons that were not established. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground while still under power, maintaining a 60-degree bank and a 30-degree nose-down attitude.

The impact and the resulting post-crash fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the accident.

Findings

An investigation into the accident revealed no technical deficiencies with the aircraft. The primary factor in the loss of altitude during the turn remained undetermined.

Probable cause

The specific reason for the significant loss of altitude during the right-hand turn could not be determined.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-01-22 Fletcher FU-24 accident near Taihape, New Zealand?

A pilot was killed when their aircraft struck terrain during a turning maneuver while performing topdressing duties in hilly terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-01-22 Fletcher FU-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-01-22 involved a Fletcher FU-24, registration ZK-EHX, operated by Wanganui Aero Work, at Taihape, New Zealand.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific reason for the significant loss of altitude during the right-hand turn could not be determined.

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