Sky Spray

Fairchild C-82 Packet

N4832V departed Masters Field, Miami, Florida, for Boca Raton Airport at 0448, August 8, 1956. Aboard the aircraft were Pilot Charles W. Day, Copilot Rae F. Howry, and three company insecticide-mixer personnel. The purpose of the direct 36-mile flight was the movement of the aircraft, crew and mixer personnel to the Boca Raton Airport from which the spraying operation was to be conducted. The takeoff of N4832V was followed immediately by another company operated C-82, N4829V and the two aircraft proceeded at an altitude of approximately 500 feet. N4829V flew to the left, slightly above and to the rear of N4832V until reaching Boca Raton. Both aircraft arrived over the city of Boca Raton shortly after 0500 and proceeded north and west the mile or so to the airport. Dawn was breaking and the runways, although unlighted, were plainly visible. N4832V made a eight turn for approach to runway 04. After passing over more than one-third of the length of the 5,000-foot runway a go-around was initiated. The aircraft then Immediately went into a climbing left turn. During this turn the aircraft stalled and crashed, killing all five occupants.