Fletcher FU-24 crash, Nov 22, 2005 (2 killed), Whangarei
Fletcher FU-24 accident on November 22, 2005 near Whangarei, Northland Regional Council, New Zealand with 2 fatalities. Cause: Structural failure of...
- Date: November 22, 2005
- Aircraft: Fletcher FU-24
- Location: Whangarei, Northland Regional Council, New Zealand
- Fatalities: 2
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Structural failure of the vertical fin from fatigue cracks in its leading edge that had not been detected, leading to loss of control. The pilot was also flying with a stuck airspeed indicator in turbulent conditions.
A Fletcher FU-24 flying back to Whangarei after a topdressing day failed in flight when its vertical fin separated. Fatigue cracks in the leading edge of the fin, hidden under a protective strip, had grown until the fin could no longer carry loads. The aircraft lost control and crashed into forest, killing both occupants.