Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-36-300 near Highmore, SD — 2011-06-17

Final reportCEN11LA399
Sign in to save
Date
2011-06-17
Location
Highmore, SD, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-36-300
Registration
N57885
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed for the flight to spray a field located about 4 miles north of the airport. When the pilot did not return within the expected time frame, the operator sent airplanes out to look for him. The wreckage was located in an open field about 1/4 mile from the field that was being sprayed. No witnesses to the accident were identified; however, one person reported seeing the airplane spraying in the area. Impact damage indicated that the airplane struck the terrain in a steep nose-down, left-wing-low attitude, consistent with a loss of control event. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any failures or malfunctions with either the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

Related mishaps