Fletcher FU-24 crash, Apr 19, 2002 (1 killed), Masterton
Fletcher FU-24 accident on April 19, 2002 near Masterton, Greater Wellington Regional Council, New Zealand with 1 fatality. Cause: Undetected fatigue...
- Date: April 19, 2002
- Aircraft: Fletcher FU-24
- Location: Masterton, Greater Wellington Regional Council, New Zealand
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Undetected fatigue cracking in the forward part of the tail fin, which separated in flight, causing loss of control and impact with terrain.
A Fletcher FU-24 topdressing aircraft broke up in flight while spreading superphosphate on hill country south-east of Masterton. The tail fin separated after a fatigue crack that had grown from cuts in the fin skin, and the aircraft struck a ridge and burned. The single pilot was killed.