Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN11CA545

Forest City, IA, USA

Aircraft #1

N331BF

AYRES CORPORATION S2R-G6

Analysis

During an aerial application flight, the pilot had completed a spray run and initiated a climb to clear trees at the end of the field. The pilot reported that several trees and windmills were located at the southern end of the field and as the airplane made a climbing left turn, the right wing struck a windmill blade. The collision tore the spray boom from the airplane, which then impacted the airplane’s right side stabilizer and fuselage, causing substantial damage. The pilot was able to perform a successful landing on a nearby gravel road.

Factual Information

The agricultural pilot had completed a spray run and pulled up to clear trees at the end of the field. The pilot reported that several trees and windmills were located at the southern end of the field and as the airplane made a climbing left turn, the right wing struck a windmill blade. The collision tore the spray boom from the airplane, which then impacted the airplane’s right side stabilizer and fuselage, causing substantial damage. The pilot was able to perform a successful precautionary landing on a nearby gravel road.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout during an aerial application run, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a windmill.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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