Accident
A single-engine airplane departed Waimate Airport for a crop spraying operation at a local farm, carrying one pilot and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to approximately 300–400 feet, the aircraft entered a stratus cloud layer. The engine then experienced a loss of power. The airplane adopted a nose-down attitude and subsequently crashed into the Waihao River. The passenger was fatally injured, and the pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the engine had suffered unknown technical problems. The pilot encountered low visibility conditions due to the stratus clouds immediately after the power loss.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation while flying in low visibility caused by stratus clouds, following unknown technical issues with the engine.