Snow 600-S2D, VH-FCN, 18 km SE Dalby QLD, 26 January 1988

The rudder failed when the pilot initiated a climb at the end of a spray run. The rudder was bent over at the top by about 45 degrees, but the pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft and carry out a safe landing at Dalby. The rudder spar had failed above the top hinge point near a weld which was associated with a modification to replace the single point hinge with a three point hinge. The failure of the spar was caused by the pressure of a crack which had not been detected prior to the welding of the upper hinge modification. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.