What happened
During a top dressing operation in the area south of Hastings, New Zealand, a single-engine aircraft was involved in a crash in the Otane region. The flight was being conducted in darkness, as the sun was not scheduled to rise until 0639 local time. While performing the final approach, the aircraft descended too low and made contact with the tops of trees. Following this impact, the plane crashed nose-first into a prairie.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating during nighttime conditions.
- The flight was in the final approach phase of its mission.
- The impact with vegetation preceded the final crash into the ground.
- The accident resulted in two serious injuries and the total destruction of the aircraft.