It states Mr Hopper did not gain altitude as he took off from the Marsden Cove Development in Northland, New Zealand, instead flying for about 270 metres toward the van at a low level and increasing speed.

His Cessna was seen suddenly to bank up before its right wing hit the van.

His plane was flying less than 2 metres above the ground when the crash happened, and burst into flames as it crashed, about 65m from the van.

The report said the collision was caused by the pilot misjudging the amount of room left between his plane and the van, a combination of a "blossoming effect" and the right wing banking on its turn.

Mr Hopper's father, multimillion-dollar property developer Leigh Hopper, this week told the Waikato Times he accepted the CAA's findings.

Mr Hopper, whose family developed the Pauanui and Whitianga waterways, said he agreed it was his son's fault, but the family was now wondering how his son got it so wrong.

"I agree with the CAA and have complimented them on their professional work. I do consider that turbulence was a contributing factor and we will always be at odds as to why (Stace) didn't leave enough margin for error given the turbulent conditions, simple as that."

He admitted the flyover was a "high-risk manoeuvre" and that his son was being a daredevil that morning, and had simply got it wrong.

Submitted on 05/04/2011

Submitted by: Paul Thebassguy
Reference: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4965205/Pilot-died-doing-risky-stunt 05-05-2011

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Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I'm a little torn on this being too similar to people who try to hotrod in cars or on motorcycles and crash as well. But as this is the first case of this sort of aerial hotrodding that I recall I'll accept it. Thanks, Paul.

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
...the guy's dad apparently viewed his son as experienced.... what was the son thinking?! Thanks Paul!

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