On June 24, 1992, a Piper PA-25-235/250 (registration N4601Y) operated by Lentsch, Bruce L was involved in an aviation accident near Ramona, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual scanning outside the cockpit during low-altitude aerial application operations, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft engaged in aerial application operations collided with a tree during a swath run. The pilot lost situational awareness while checking gauges, leading to terrain impact.
What happened
The accident airplane was conducting an aerial application swath run when it unexpectedly struck a tree. Following the initial impact, the aircraft remained airborne for approximately one-quarter of a mile before ultimately colliding with the terrain.
According to statements provided to local law enforcement authorities, the pilot reported that he had glanced down at his instrument gauges. Upon looking back up, he realized he was on a collision course with the top of a tree and did not have sufficient time or altitude to avoid it.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual scanning outside the cockpit during low-altitude aerial application operations, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.