What happened
During a routine superphosphate spreading mission over undulating farmland, an agricultural aircraft was conducting its 72nd flight of the day. The flight involved carrying a standard load of 14 hundredweight in the hopper. Following the conclusion of the initial sowing pass, the pilot attempted to reposition the plane for a subsequent run.
As the aircraft maneuvered behind a nearby ridge, it became obscured from the view of personnel stationed at the airstrip. Shortly after the plane disappeared behind the terrain, observers on the ground heard a loud explosion, followed by the sight of smoke rising from the area behind the spur. Upon investigation, the wreckage of the Fletcher was located and found to be on fire. The impact resulted in one fatality.
Physical examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft's right wingtip made initial contact with the ground while the plane was in a steep bank, exceeding vertical orientation. This was followed by the fuselage striking the earth in a perpendicular position. Evidence from propeller marks on the pasture suggested that the engine was still producing power at the time of impact.
Findings
Investigation into the accident determined that weather conditions were favorable, characterized by clear skies and a light 5-knot southwesterly breeze. No mechanical malfunctions or structural defects were identified in the aircraft. The investigation concluded that the sudden physical incapacitation of the pilot was the primary factor leading to the loss of control.