Collision on ground involving a Airparts NZ Ltd FU-24-950, VH-KSF, 19 km north-east of Cumnock, New South Wales, on 18 May 1998

When the pilot entered the cockpit of the Fletcher, he observed the loading vehicle near the chemical dump. The pilot started the engine and allowed it to warm up for approximately four minutes. Unbeknown to the pilot, during this time, the loading vehicle moved to a position on the right side of the aft fuselage of the aircraft in preparation for loading. When the pilot commenced taxiing, the tailplane collided with the loading vehicle, causing substantial damage to the aft fuselage. No person was injured.

A significant factor in this accident was the driver positioning the loading vehicle near the aircraft without the approval of the pilot.