Collision with terrain involving an Air Tractor AT-502, VH-CJZ, 'Iffley' via Collarenabri, New South Wales, on 10 December 1996

The Air Tractor 502 was conducting spraying operations late at night in fine conditions, with scattered cloud, no moon, and a barely discernible horizon.  After levelling at approximately 200 ft from a pull up and procedure turn, the pilot reported that his attention was drawn to another aircraft which was spraying a nearby property.  Whilst the pilot was watching the other aircraft the Air Tractor struck the ground at an estimated airspeed of 95 knots.

Wreckage distribution and pilot evidence indicated that, following the initial impact, the aircraft became airborne for a further 200 metres, with no engine or electrical power, before again striking the ground and sliding to a stop. The pilot, who had been wearing a full harness, escaped without injury.  The aircraft was destroyed.