Accident Sequence
The pilot had been conducting sowing operations throughout the morning. On the final run, the flow of superphosphate stopped at the expected point, but a few seconds later the remaining load was jettisoned. Almost immediately, the aircraft entered a left turn and struck the tops of sapling pine trees. Subsequently, it lost altitude, passed through a fence, crossed a narrow gully, and collided with a steep slope. The Fletcher caught fire, and the pilot lost his life.
Weather Conditions
The flying weather was good with a light westerly wind. Not long before the accident, the wind increased to 10–15 mph and shifted to a northerly direction. Another pilot, operating an aircraft about 5 miles away, reported the onset of turbulence in his area starting around midday.
Pilot and Probable Cause
The pilot was identified as Clement Alan O'Neil, age 23, who was killed in this aerial topdressing accident. According to the official findings, the accident resulted from a collision with the ground which, for reasons undetermined, the pilot was unable to avoid.