Executive summary
The pilot was operating from a sloping airstrip situated on a ridge. Approximately half the contract had been completed and fertiliser loads were being progressively increased. During take-off an engine malfunction may have caused the pilot to briefly apply the brakes. The take-off roll was longer than normal and the mainwheels entered shrubbery at the end of the airstrip. The aircraft pitched steeply nose up, stalled, and dived into the trees, seriously injuring the pilot.
Related Recommendations
Consider whether similar modifications to other Cessna aircraft seats would provide a similar improvement in crashworthiness.
Consider whether an Airworthiness Directive is necessary to require such modification action.
Promulgate a recommendation to all operators of Cessna A188 aircraft, advising the installation of diagonal bracing of the seat legs and a larger diameter seat locating pin.
Consider whether the potential merits of standardising the existing fleet of agricultural aircraft outweigh the short-term disadvantages especially where aircraft of the same type have levers which operate in different senses.
Amend NZCAR C3 to specify the direction in which dump levers are to be operated to dump the load.