On July 2, 1993, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8659L) operated by Howell Crop Dusting was involved in an aviation accident near Bainbridge, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a practice aerial application flight, an airplane was observed entering a 45-degree nose-down, left wing-down attitude before colliding with terrain. The instructor noted the pilot had expressed concern about a family argument.
Accident Description
A pilot was conducting a practice aerial application flight with an instructor observing from the ground. After performing an aerial survey around the perimeter of the practice spray field, the airplane began a left turn. The instructor observed the airplane enter a 45-degree nose-down, left wing-down attitude. The airplane maintained that attitude as it disappeared from view behind trees. Examination of the accident site and wreckage revealed that the airplane collided with the ground in a left wing and nose-low attitude. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
Pre-Flight Concerns
According to the instructor, while the pilot was preparing for the flight, he stated that his daughter and her husband had a fight and that he had not heard from her in three days. The instructor stated that the pilot seemed concerned about his daughter and asked him if he was focused on the flight. The pilot responded that he was fine.