Casualties unknown

Spray Boom Stripped During Go-Around Leads to Loss of Control and Crash (N9980P)

Clarkston, UT, US

On July 12, 1990, a Piper PA-36 (registration N9980P) operated by Larsen, Wayne C. was involved in an aviation accident near Clarkston, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: JAMMED AILERONS RESULTANT FROM THE COLLISION WITH CROPS. 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

A commercial pilot attempted a go-around after seeing tall vegetation during landing on a gravel road. The right spray boom contacted vegetation at lift-off, stripping it from the wing. The pilot reported full power and no aileron control before an uncommanded left bank led to a ground impact.

Accident

A commercial pilot was landing on a gravel road when he observed tall vegetation during the landing roll and initiated a go-around. As the aircraft lifted off, the right spray boom contacted the vegetation and was stripped from the wing. The pilot stated that after becoming airborne with full power applied, he had no control of the ailerons.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft entered an uncommanded left bank to 45 degrees. At that point, the pilot reduced power. The aircraft then struck the terrain left wing first. After the impact, the aircraft cartwheeled, causing the engine, cowling, and nose framework to separate from the fuselage. The aircraft came to rest facing the opposite direction of its flight path.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the separation of the right spray boom, the engine, cowling, and nose framework. The fuselage remained intact but was oriented opposite to the original flight direction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23678. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.