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Casualties unknown

Agricultural aircraft stalls during low-altitude maneuver (N40920)

Fergus Falls, MN, US

On August 23, 1985, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration N40920) was involved in an aviation accident near Fergus Falls, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with trees. 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 agricultural aircraft stalled and struck trees after the pilot attempted to pull up from a steep turn at low altitude.

What happened

The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in an agricultural swath run. During the operation, the pilot initiated a steep right turn at the conclusion of the spray pass. As the maneuver progressed, the aircraft began to lose altitude. In response, the pilot applied full power and leveled the wings.

With the aircraft close to the ground and traveling at slow airspeed, the pilot observed a row of trees directly in the flight path. An attempt was made to clear the obstruction by pulling up on the controls. However, the aircraft stalled during this maneuver and subsequently impacted the trees and terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with trees.
Loss of control in flight

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.