WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620B near Rushmore, MN — 2025-07-23

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during low-level maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while performing low altitude aerial spray application, he flew too close to a tree instead of flying over the top of it. The left wingtip struck the tree, and the airplane impacted the ground. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PHOTOSphotos

Related mishaps

• BRUNNER DONALD G KITFOX

  2026-03-10 · Rock Crossing, AZ

• BELL 206L-3

  2026-01-15 · Logsden, OR

• TECNAM P2008

  2025-11-10 · Blackfoot, ID

• PIPER PA-25-235

  2025-08-23 · Argusville, ND

• BELL 206B

  2025-07-27 · North Bend, NE

• BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1

  2025-07-23 · Thibodaux, LA · 1 fatality