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NTSB Report
June 18, 1989 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8846L
Clayton, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Clayton, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8846L
Operator
Richard E Shaw
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA137
THE PILOT HAD BEEN CONDUCTING SWATH RUNS IN AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAY OPERATION. HE WAS MAKING A PROCEDURE TURN-AROUND TO FINISH UP THE FIELD WITH THE REMAINING CHEMICAL. ABOUT HALF-WAY THRU THE TURN THE PILOT REPORTEDLY ENCOUNTERED UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH RISING TERRAIN. THE PILOT REPORTED CHANGING WINDS AND DOWNDRAFTS IN THE AREA DURING THE SWATH RUNS. OFFICAL WX RECORDS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO CONFIRM THE WIND CONDITIONS. NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCY WAS NOTED WITH THE AIRPLANE DURING POST ACCIDENT EXAM.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD BEEN CONDUCTING SWATH RUNS IN AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAY OPERATION. HE WAS MAKING A PROCEDURE TURN-AROUND TO FINISH UP THE FIELD WITH THE REMAINING CHEMICAL. ABOUT HALF-WAY THRU THE TURN THE PILOT REPORTEDLY ENCOUNTERED UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH RISING TERRAIN. THE PILOT REPORTED CHANGING WINDS AND DOWNDRAFTS IN THE AREA DURING THE SWATH RUNS. OFFICAL WX RECORDS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO CONFIRM THE WIND CONDITIONS. NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCY WAS NOTED WITH THE AIRPLANE DURING POST ACCIDENT EXAM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8846L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard E Shaw
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2C5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO