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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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May 17, 1998 · Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · N2284B

Dawson, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Dawson, ND
Aircraft
Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail Number
N2284B
Operator
Kratz Aerial Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA155

The propeller contacted a telephone pole at a height 30 feet above the ground during an aerial application flight. The result of the impact was a loss of airplane control, followed by the airplane descending to impact the terrain. The airplane was flying to the east, into the sun at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the telephone pole. Factors associated with the accident were the pole and the glare from the rising sun.

Full Narrative

On May 17, 1998, at 0830 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, N2284B, operated by Kratz Aerial Ag Service, Inc., collided with a telephone pole during an aerial application maneuver. The accident occurred near Dawson, North Dakota. The commercial pilot received serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. Post accident inspection of the accident site by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office revealed the propeller on N2284B contacted the telephone pole at a height of about 30 feet above the ground. The propeller was "severely" damaged and twisted according to the inspector. The airplane impacted the terrain after it collided with the telephone pole. The airplane was traveling to the east into the sun at the time of the accident. The pilot does not remember any event surrounding the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
Tail NumberN2284B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKratz Aerial Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsAiresearch · TPE-331 · Turboprop · 600

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data