Summary
The aircraft was engaged in spraying operations over the living quarters and working area of the R.A.A.F.
base. When operations commenced, the wind conditions were light but, as the work progressed, the wind
strength increased and at the time of the accident it was from 270 degrees at 22 to 30 knots. Spray runs
were being made across wind at a low speed to achieve the required spray distribution and, when nearing
the completion of the allotted task, the pilot made a turn in a downwind direction at the end of a spray run.
In the turn, the aircraft commenced to lose height and the pilot increased collective pitch, but was unable
to arrest the descent. As the aircraft was approaching a row of pine trees, the pilot also reduced the
forward speed and dumped the remaining spray liquid but the aircraft continued to descend and struck the
pine trees.
