On December 20, 2010, a Fletcher FU-24 (registration VH-FNM) operated by Cloud 9 Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Wynella Station, Australia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Examination of the accident site indicated that the aircraft’s engine was delivering power at the time of impact. Wreckage examination did not reveal evidence of any defect or mechanical failure that would have contributed to the event. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
On 20 December 2010, a Pacific Aerospace FU-24-954 Fletcher, registered VH-FNM, crashed during aerial spreading operations near Dirranbandi, Queensland, fatally injuring the pilot. Investigation found no mechanical failure but noted the pilot had coronary atherosclerosis.
Incident
On 20 December 2010, at about 1650 Eastern Standard Time, a Pacific Aerospace Corporation FU-24-954 Fletcher aircraft, registered VH-FNM, crashed while conducting aerial spreading of urea fertilizer. The accident occurred at Wynella Station, a property approximately 40 km south-south-west of Dirranbandi, Queensland. The owner/pilot was returning to the landing strip after completing an application run when the aircraft impacted the terrain. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
Examination of the accident site indicated that the aircraft's engine was delivering power at the time of impact. Wreckage examination did not reveal evidence of any defect or mechanical failure that would have contributed to the event. The post-mortem report on the pilot noted that he had significant coronary atherosclerosis. However, there was insufficient information available to determine whether pilot incapacitation was involved in the accident. The investigation did not identify any organisational or systemic issues that might adversely affect the future safety of aviation operations.