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NTSB Report

August 19, 2003 · Piper PA-25 · N4346Y

Brandon, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Brandon, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-25
Tail Number
N4346Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA272

The part 137 aerial application airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted the corn crop and terrain during a spray pass over the field. The pilot reported that approximately 70 gallons of chemical remained as he was making the aerial swath before the accident. He reported the winds were from the south at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots, and the temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit. He reported the airplane was descending over a treeline heading southbound when it experienced moderate turbulence. He reported that he was "unable to stop the descent before the airplane made contact with the corn." The airplane continued it's descent and the nose of the airplane impacted the ground and the airplane skidded to a stop. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction of the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the corn crop during an aerial application maneuver. Additional factors were the terrain induced turbulence and the corn crop.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 2003, at 1700 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25, N4346Y, operated by Reabe Flying Service, sustained substantial damaged on impact with a corn crop and terrain near Brandon, Wisconsin, during a spray pass over the field. The commercial pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight departed from Waupun Airport (WI07), Waupun, Wisconsin, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that approximately 70 gallons of chemical remained as he was making the aerial swath before the accident. He reported the winds were from the south at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots, and the temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit. He reported the airplane was descending over a treeline heading southbound when it experienced moderate turbulence. He reported that he was "unable to stop the descent before the airplane made contact with the corn." The airplane continued it's descent and the nose of the airplane impacted the ground and the airplane skidded to a stop. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction of the airplane prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25
Tail NumberN4346Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-G1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data