Pilot Debrief

EAGLE DW1 near Newman, CA — 2011-04-01

Final reportWPR11LA179
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Date
2011-04-01
Location
Newman, CA, USA
Aircraft
EAGLE DW1
Registration
N8812A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle during a low-altitude operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was applying his fifth aerial application load of the day over a field that was split by power lines about 35 to 40 feet above ground level next to a road. The pilot had been flying under the lines unless a power pole obstructed the airplane’s flight path or he observed traffic on the road, which was fairly busy. As the airplane approached the road, the pilot noticed a propane truck at the last second that was approaching the airplane’s flight path from the right. He tried to adjust but did not clear the top of the truck; the impact separated the left main landing gear from the airplane. The pilot was able to maintain control, so he returned to his nearby home dirt strip. During the abrupt deceleration due to the separated landing gear, the airplane sustained substantial damage to both lower wings. The driver of the propane truck was not injured.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a higher altitude to avoid obstacles during approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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