Casualties unknown

Tandem Crop Dusting Crash During Formation Turn (N3380Z)

Hilger, MT, US

On May 29, 1983, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N3380Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Hilger, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while executing a left turn after pulling up from a low-altitude swath run during tandem crop dusting operations.

What happened

The pilot reported that he and another pilot were conducting agricultural spraying operations in a tandem formation. The flight was conducted at an altitude of approximately 10 feet above ground level (AGL). The subject aircraft was positioned about one-half mile behind the lead aircraft and slightly to its left.

After completing a swath run, the pilot pulled up to approximately 100 feet AGL and initiated a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft suddenly rolled to the right and subsequently crashed.

The investigation

The available source material does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examination or post-crash inspection findings beyond the pilot's narrative of the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42962. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.