The aircraft was engaged in superphosphate spreading in hilly
country and, after commencing operations at approximately 1400
hours, had completed seven sorties. The runs were made in
predominantly easterly and westerly directions and the eastern end
was close to the main north-south ridge of the Brawboy Range. The
aircraft had been observed turning at the eastern end of the runs
by proceeding out through gaps in the ridge and then returning
across the crest of the range to spread in a westerly direction. At
the termination of the last completed run to the east the aircraft
was seen to pull up high and turn inside the face of the ridge
before descending and disappearing from the view of the witness.
Smoke was seen to rise from the area immediately and the burning
wreckage was sighted shortly afterwards by searching aircraft.
