Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA483

Royal, IA, USA

Aircraft #1

N6701Z

PIPER PA-25-235

Analysis

The aerial application airplane, while spraying a field, descended into crops and sustained substantial damage on impact with the crops. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane reference the flight.

Factual Information

The pilot of the aerial application airplane stated that he was about 200 feet above ground level and was lined up about one-half mile from the field he was going to spray. He set a descent angle to clear powerlines. Approximately 30 feet above the crop he began to level off and engaged the spray handle. He said, "I felt the aircraft start to load the wings and then just give-way." The airplane descended into the crops and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane reference the flight. His safety recommendation stated that if a shallower approach angle was used or if the level off maneuver was started higher, the accident may have been prevented.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crop during an aerial application maneuver.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports