Loss of control involving Centrum Naukowo-Prdokcyjne-PZL M-18, VH-LJF, 17 km north-west of Deniliquin, New South Wales

The pilot was conducting a rice sowing operation and had entered the procedure turn on completion of the first swath run of his first load for the day. The aircraft appeared to be operating normally at about 300 ft, however, as it turned back towards the treatment area it was seen to overshoot the alignment for the reciprocal swath run. The nose then pitched down, and the engine noise was heard to increase significantly as the aircraft descended to the ground at a steep angle.

A small fire in the engine area was extinguished by the two markers, who arrived from the treatment area within minutes of the impact.

The aircraft had struck the ground in a left wing low, steep nose-down attitude. The left wing folded up against the fuselage and the engine was displaced to the right. Impact forces were high, causing major disruption to the fuselage, although the cabin area dimensional and structural integrity remained substantially intact.

No evidence of a pre-impact failure was found in the aircraft or its systems.

The weather conditions were fine and calm.

Findings

1. In an attempt to regain the alignment for the reciprocal swath run, the pilot tightened the turn, causing the aircraft to stall and enter an incipient spin to the left.

2. The height available was insufficient to permit the pilot to regain control of the aircraft.

Significant Factors

1. The aircraft stalled at a height from which the pilot was unable to effect a recovery.

Safety Action

During this investigation it was identified that the aircraft was fitted with an American Safety Inertia Reel Pt No 7260111-405 which does not comply with the requirements of CAO 101.17 for agricultural operations.

It is therefore recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority:

1. Advise agricultural operators that American Safety Inertia Reel Pt No 7260111-405 does not meet the requirements of CAO 101.17 para 5.9.3, and

2. Take steps to ensure that inertia reels which are fitted to aircraft engaged in agricultural operations do comply with the requirements of CAO 101.7 para 5.9.3.