What happened
On the afternoon of August 30, 1972, two aircraft were engaged in aerial topdressing operations near Clayton Station. During the mission, one pilot observed his colleague's aircraft operating without issue; however, shortly thereafter, he spotted smoke and flames emanating from a ridge within the active work area. The pilot immediately returned to the airstrip to alert ground personnel.
The aircraft involved, ZK-CFQ, a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, struck a slope while performing a 180-degree right-hand turn inside a valley. Investigation of the wreckage indicated that the plane was in a steep bank of 68 degrees when the left wingtip made contact with the terrain. The impact and the subsequent ignition of fuel from a ruptured tank resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.
Findings
Technical analysis confirmed that the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within approved operational limits, and the engine was operating at high power during the collision. While the second pilot noted an interruption in fertilizer flow during the final run, the hopper was empty and no blockages were found. Weather conditions were reported as CAVU with calm winds.
Medical examinations determined that while the 34-year-old pilot did not sustain fatal trauma from the physical impact, he died due to coronary occlusion related to arteriosclerosis. It is believed that a sudden medical incapacity caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft at a low altitude, leading to the wingtip strike.