On May 18, 1992, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4427Y) operated by Drew Dale Metter was involved in an aviation accident near Iroquois, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's minimal experience with agricultural application operations during a low-level maneuver. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an airplane performing aerial application of agricultural chemicals to a wheat field before descending into terrain during a turn. Investigation revealed the pilot had minimal experience in such operations.
What happened
Witnesses located near the accident scene observed an airplane engaged in the aerial application of agricultural chemicals over a wheat field. The aircraft was seen completing a swath run, which is a standard pass for distributing the chemical agent. Following this pass, the airplane descended into the terrain while executing a turn to return to the field area.
The investigation
An examination of the pilot's log book revealed that the individual had minimal experience conducting agricultural application operations. This lack of specific operational experience was noted as a relevant factor in the incident context.
Probable cause
The pilot's minimal experience with agricultural application operations during a low-level maneuver.