Fletcher FU-24 crash, Jul 24, 2002 (1 killed), Thames
Fletcher FU-24 accident on July 24, 2002 near Thames, Waikato Regional Council, New Zealand with 1 fatality. Cause: The left wing struck a branch...
- Date: July 24, 2002
- Aircraft: Fletcher FU-24
- Location: Thames, Waikato Regional Council, New Zealand
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: The left wing struck a branch during a low spray run into the sun near a tree line. The resulting damage led to an uncontrollable roll and an inverted ground impact. The accident was not survivable and the cockpit had no rollover protection.
A Fletcher topdressing aircraft flown by a newly qualified spray pilot struck a row of mature trees while making a run toward a barn at Orongo, near Thames. The left wing hit a branch, the aileron tore away and the aircraft rolled and struck the ground inverted. The pilot was killed and the aircraft had no rollover protection.