Status:	Final
Date:	Tuesday 26 March 1968
Time:	08:05
Type:	Lockheed 18-56-23 Lodestar
Operator:	Airland (NZ)
Registration:	ZK-CMX
MSN:	18-2595
First flight:	1943
Total airframe hrs:	7364
Engines:	2 Wright R-1820
Crew:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Passengers:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Aircraft damage:	Damaged beyond repair
Location:	near Waewaepa Range (   New Zealand)
Phase:	Maneuvering (MNV)
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	Oringi Airport, New Zealand
Destination airport:	Oringi Airport, New Zealand

Narrative:
The aircraft was engaged in an operation involving the aerial sowing of bulk fertiliser. The Lodestar had made a straight sowing run after which it was seen to cross a ridge. It turned slightly to starboard and followed the line of the ridge before entering a comparatively steep left-hand turn apparently initiated to bring it back toward a suitable position from which another sowing run could be started. When about two-thirds of the turn had been completed, the aircraft was seen to flick suddenly into a left-hand spin which continued very rapidly for one and a half to two and a half turns until the aircraft impacted on bush-clad terrain near the top of the ridge it had formerly crossed, exploded, disintegrated and burned.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "The accident resulted from irretrievable loss of control occasioned by the unintentional incurrence of a stall and spin in conditions of turbulence and at a height which did not permit recovery before the aircraft struck the ground."

Turbulence
Loss of control

» Aircraft Accident Report No. 1837 Lockheed 18-56 LODESTAR ZK-CMX Waewaepa Range 26 March 1968