On June 22, 1990, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration N4988Y) operated by Midwest Air Center was involved in an aviation accident near Hazelton, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot on an aerial spraying flight struck multiple power lines, causing the aircraft to crash inverted and catch fire. The pilot was rescued unconscious; no evidence he wore corrective lenses despite a vision waiver requiring them.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was conducting an aerial spraying flight when the accident occurred. According to the pilot's account, he started under a wire but could remember nothing else following the event. The operator reported that the aircraft was maneuvering for a spray pass and climbed into at least three power lines, severing two and fraying the third.
Wreckage and Rescue
The airplane struck the ground left wing low and came to rest in an inverted position. A postaccident fire destroyed the wreckage. Witnesses pulled the unconscious pilot from the burning wreckage.
Pilot Medical Information
The pilot's medical records indicated a vision waiver and required the airman to wear corrective lenses. However, no evidence was found to suggest that the pilot wore corrective lenses during this flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Jun 1990 Piper PA-25-260 accident near Hazelton, ND?
A commercial pilot on an aerial spraying flight struck multiple power lines, causing the aircraft to crash inverted and catch fire. The pilot was rescued unconscious; no evidence he wore corrective lenses despite a vision waiver requiring them.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jun 1990 involved a Piper PA-25-260, registration N4988Y, operated by Midwest Air Center, at Hazelton, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVERING.
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