On February 21, 1967, a Fletcher FU-24 (registration ZK-BIM) operated by Barr Bros was involved in an aviation accident near Waiotira, New Zealand in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot attempted to fly across a ridge but misjudged the climb capability of his aircraft, and struck a fenceline marking the top. When the aircraft struck the fenceline it was in a partially stalled condition. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A small aircraft struck a fenceline on a ridge, then hit the ground inverted and slid, with a brief fire. The pilot was killed; inexperience was a factor.
Accident Details
The aircraft collided with a fenceline along the top of a minor ridge. The port tail was badly damaged by a concrete post. Continuing forward and at a lower level, the port wingtip struck the ground, causing the plane to make a heavy impact in a totally inverted position. The airplane then slid about 100 feet (30 metres) before coming to rest. A small fire started but quickly burned itself out.
Injuries
The pilot was killed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the pilot attempted to fly across a ridge but misjudged the climb capability of his aircraft, and struck a fenceline marking the top. When the aircraft struck the fenceline it was in a partially stalled condition. Control of the aircraft was lost as the result of the collision with the fenceline. Inexperience of the pilot was a large factor in the occurrence of the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Feb 1967 Fletcher FU-24 accident near Waiotira, New Zealand?
A small aircraft struck a fenceline on a ridge, then hit the ground inverted and slid, with a brief fire. The pilot was killed; inexperience was a factor.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Feb 1967 Fletcher FU-24 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Feb 1967 involved a Fletcher FU-24, registration ZK-BIM, operated by Barr Bros, at Waiotira, New Zealand.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot attempted to fly across a ridge but misjudged the climb capability of his aircraft, and struck a fenceline marking the top. When the aircraft struck the fenceline it was in a partially stalled condition. Control of the aircraft was lost as the result of the collision with the fenceline. Inexperience of the…
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