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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 3, 1995 · Piper PA-25-235 · N4428P

Dawson, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dawson, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N4428P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA172

THE PILOT REPORTED HE LANDED THE AIRPLANE ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY DUE TO THE POOR CONDITION OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER PICKING UP A LOAD OF CHEMICAL, THE PILOT PREPARED TO TAKEOFF ON THE GRASS. WHILE ON THE INITIAL GROUND RUN, THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT SPRAY BOOM ENCOUNTERED TALL GRASS. THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE RIGHT WING AND PROPELLER CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE LANDING GEAR WAS DAMAGED. THIS AIRPORT HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on takeoff. A factor in the accident was the tall grass.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 1995, at 1353 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25- 235, N4428P, was substantially damaged while attempting to take off from a private field in Dawson, Minnesota. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was en route to Madison, Minnesota. The aerial application flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot reported he landed the airplane at Dawson Airport on the grass adjacent to the runway because of the runway's poor condition. After picking up some chemicals, the pilot stated he proceeded to takeoff on the grass. While the airplane was on its initial ground run, the right spray boom encountered tall grass and the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The right wing and propeller contacted the ground and the landing gear was damaged. The Dawson Airport had been closed for several years prior to this accident. There had been no upkeep done to the airport since its closure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:53 CDT
Nearest AirportDawson Airport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN4428P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind145° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data