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NTSB Report
June 2, 1989 · Piper PA-25-235 · N4497Y
Preston, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 2, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Preston, MD
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N4497Y
Operator
Air Ag
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO89DIG01
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT TO SPRAY A FIELD WHICH CONTAINED A 3 TO 4 FT TALL WHEAT CROP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE SPRAYING OPERATION, HE FLEW UNDER POWER LINES WHICH CROSSED THE FIELD. WHEN DOING SO, THE MAIN GEAR CAUGHT THE WHEAT AND THE ACFT DESCENDED TOWARD THE TERRAIN. THE ACFT THEN NOSED OVER AND CAME TO REST INVERTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH THE WHEAT CROP AS HE PASSED UNDER THE POWERLINE DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN.
Full Narrative
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT TO SPRAY A FIELD WHICH CONTAINED A 3 TO 4 FT TALL WHEAT CROP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING THE SPRAYING OPERATION, HE FLEW UNDER POWER LINES WHICH CROSSED THE FIELD. WHEN DOING SO, THE MAIN GEAR CAUGHT THE WHEAT AND THE ACFT DESCENDED TOWARD THE TERRAIN. THE ACFT THEN NOSED OVER AND CAME TO REST INVERTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:23 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN4497Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Ag
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B285 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:55
Weather SourceWFAC