PIPER PA-25-235 near Faith, SD — 2011-06-18

Probable cause

The pilot's improper turn while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

After completing an agricultural spray run, the pilot attempted to make a tight, climbing turn without extending out over an adjacent river bank. As he started the climbing turn, the airplane stalled and there was not enough altitude to recover. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage. The river bank was about 250 feet above the height of the field. The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He commented that making a wider turn, outside of the river bank, might have prevented the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Making a wider turn outside of the river bank might have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

• Aerodynamic stall/spin · Maneuvering
• Maneuvering Stall

Evidence available

• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Conversation Record -- FAA Inspectorother
• Conversation Record -- Pilotother

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