What happened
During an approach to an airstrip at approximately 08:00, the pilot performed a low pass over the landing area, likely intended to clear cattle from the runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a 180 kg cow with its right wing tip. The impact killed the animal and damaged the metal wing tip fairing.
Following the collision with the livestock, the Fletcher continued its path, where the exposed edge of the outer wing created a 46-meter scrape on the ground. The aircraft then struck the corner of a hangar at an altitude of approximately 2.5 meters. This contact caused the right outer wing panel to separate from the airframe.
After losing structural integrity, the plane flew over another hangar and several tall trees before entering a vertical dive into a hillside. The impact with the terrain caused the aircraft to explode and break apart while tumbling down the slope. The accident resulted in one fatality, as the pilot was killed in the crash, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Findings
Investigations determined that the loss of control was directly caused by the separation of the outer wing panel following the collision with the hangar. While aileron functionality remained intact after hitting the cattle, the subsequent structural failure made the flight unrecoverable. Potential contributing factors included possible pilot dazzle from the morning sun and the potential influence of wake turbulence generated during the initial low pass.