Aerial Application Aircraft Crashes During Turn-Around Maneuver

Casualties unknown • Lubbock, TX, US

An aerial application aircraft struck the terrain during a turn-around maneuver over an adjacent field, resulting in a post-impact fire.

What happened

While performing agricultural spraying operations, the pilot of an aerial application airplane completed a swath run and began a turn-around maneuver over an adjacent field. During the final stage of this maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground with its left wing tip.

Upon impact, the aircraft rotated approximately 200 degrees from its original path. The wreckage came to rest roughly 30 feet from the initial point of ground contact and subsequently burned. An eyewitness observed the aircraft during the turn-around maneuver, noting that the plane moved "straight up then down" immediately before hitting the terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's execution of a turn-around maneuver led to the aircraft striking the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-08-25 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Lubbock, TX?

An aerial application aircraft struck the terrain during a turn-around maneuver over an adjacent field, resulting in a post-impact fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-08-25 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N9852P, at Lubbock, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's execution of a turn-around maneuver led to the aircraft striking the terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23997. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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