Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-25-260 near Alexander, NY — 2012-08-02

Final reportERA12CA495
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Date
2012-08-02
Location
Alexander, NY, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-25-260
Registration
N6802L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain altitude during aerial application, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while spraying a cornfield, he saw two wires that he did not know were there. When the pilot saw the wires, the airplane was too close to the wires to climb over them. He then flew under the wires; however, the airplane impacted rolling terrain below the wires, bounced into the air, stalled, and came to rest in trees adjacent to the field. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to both wing spars. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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