What happened
During a series of agricultural spraying runs, the pilot of ZK-EMV, an agricultural aircraft, decided to increase the payload by one hundredweight for a subsequent flight. Following the completion of a run at 22 hundredweight, the aircraft was repositioned approximately 25 meters east of its previous loading point to accommodate the new weight of 23 hundredweight.
As the aircraft departed the strip, witnesses observed the flight path from different perspectives. A second pilot operating nearby noted that the aircraft entered a steep climb, estimated between 45 and 50 degrees, before beginning a slow roll to the left. During this maneuver, objects were seen falling from the plane. The aircraft eventually became inverted and descended rapidly, impacting the ground near a road intersection and power lines.
A truck driver positioned on a nearby gravel road observed the departure of ZK-EMV as well. He reported that the aircraft appeared to sag significantly and drop abruptly after leaving the end of the airstrip. The aircraft maintained a high nose attitude while turning slightly to the left toward a fence. After striking the fence, the aircraft ballooned upward, shedding fertilizer, before rolling left and crashing into a paddock. The impact occurred approximately 5 meters from the driver's vehicle.
Findings
- The pilot of the aircraft died on impact.
- The engine was observed to be operating at maximum power throughout the departure, with no unusual changes in pitch or sound reported by witnesses.
- The increase in payload to 23 hundredweight was noted, though the loader driver did not perceive it as a cause for concern.
- The aircraft experienced a significant loss of lift or aerodynamic stability during the climb, leading to an uncontrolled roll and descent.