Fletcher FU-24 crash, Mar 31, 2006 (1 killed), Kaitaia
Fletcher FU-24 accident on March 31, 2006 near Kaitaia, Northland Regional Council, New Zealand with 1 fatality. Cause: Probable initiator was a hung...
- Date: March 31, 2006
- Aircraft: Fletcher FU-24
- Location: Kaitaia, Northland Regional Council, New Zealand
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Probable initiator was a hung lime load that limited climb performance. The aircraft stalled in a right-hand turn without enough height to recover, with steep terrain, distractions and fatigue as contributing factors.
A Fletcher FU-24 was topdressing lime on a steep hill range near Kaitaia when it turned right and descended into tall bush. The pilot was killed. Investigators found no mechanical fault and linked the accident to a lime load that hung up in the hopper and limited climb performance, combined with the terrain and a high tree line that left little room to recover from a stall.