On June 29, 1991, a Piper OA25-235 (registration N9599P) operated by Sprayers Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Clinton, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE MANEUVERING IN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATIONS. RELATED FACTORS ARE WAKE TURBULENCE AND LOW ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural pilot performing tandem operations with another pilot encountered a wingtip vortex during a go-around and was unable to recover before impacting the ground.
Incident Overview
A pilot engaged in tandem aerial application operations with another pilot reported losing control after encountering a wingtip vortex. The pilot was making an approach to a field for a pass but could not see the marker flag in time to execute a proper pass. He initiated a go-around and re-entered a left traffic pattern for the field.
Sequence of Events
While in straight and level flight, the pilot stated that he 'encountered a wingtip vortice which rolled me into a steep right bank. I was unable to recover before impacting the ground.' The pilot did not specify the aircraft type, location, date, or any other details beyond the described sequence.
Pilot Report
The pilot's account indicates that the encounter occurred shortly after re-entering the pattern. No further information regarding weather conditions, time of day, or any other factors was provided in the report.