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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

July 29, 2017 · Piper PA36 285 · N132VA

Mccook, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mccook, NE
Aircraft
Piper PA36 285 (1975)
Tail Number
N132VA
Operator
Red Willow Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA453

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude during agricultural spraying, he noticed "some shuddering (stalling)" on multiple downwind low passes. He added that, on the fourth attempt to spray on a downwind line, he experienced "severe shuddering and loss of altitude," so he applied full power and dumped the entirety of the aerial application product. He further added that, after dumping the load, the airplane was about 10 to 15 ft above ground level and still would not climb. The pilot reported that he continued to "pull back on the stick," entered a right turn to avoid obstacles ahead, and the airplane "continued to [aerodynamically] stall until impact." The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station 18 nautical miles south from the accident site reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 140° at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind had "picked up to 20-25 mph" and that the flightpath was "nearly directly downwind at the time of impact." The pilot reported that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning device.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering downwind during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude during agricultural spraying, he noticed "some shuddering (stalling)" on multiple downwind low passes. He added that, on the 4th attempt to spray on a downwind line, he experienced "severe shuddering and loss of altitude," so he applied full power and dumped the entirety of the aerial application product. He further added that, after dumping the load, the airplane was about 10-15 ft. above ground and still would not climb. The pilot reported that, he continued to "pull back on the stick," entered a right turn to avoid obstacles ahead, and the airplane "continued to [aerodynamically] stall until impact." The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station, about the time of the accident, 18 nautical miles south from the accident site, reported wind from 140° at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind had "picked up to 20-25mph" and the flight path was "nearly directly downwind at the time of impact." The pilot reported that the airplane was not equipped with a stall warning device.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA36 285
Tail NumberN132VA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRed Willow Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-720-AIR · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data