FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Agricultural Aircraft Damaged in Collision with Tree During Turn (N8906L)

Clarence, MO, US

On July 12, 1993, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8906L) operated by Rufener Spraying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Clarence, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TREES AT THE END OF THE FIELD TO BE SPRAYED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft was damaged after striking a tree while attempting to start an ag-turn, resulting in a controlled crash landing in a pea field.

Incident Details

After surveying the field for obstacles, the pilot completed an agricultural run at approximately 105 miles per hour. The pilot then shut off the spray booms before making the required change in attitude to exit the field. While looking over the right wing root to ensure that a tree had been cleared, enabling the start of an ag-turn, the pilot heard a sound similar to a saw blade in a saw mill. Looking forward, the pilot saw the branches and leaves of the tree, which he thought he had cleared by 10 feet or more, being slung from the propeller.

Landing and Damage

The aircraft subsequently slid to a stop in a pea field during a controlled crash landing. The landing gear, hopper, cowling, propeller, wings, and bottom skin were damaged.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1993 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Clarence, MO?

An agricultural aircraft was damaged after striking a tree while attempting to start an ag-turn, resulting in a controlled crash landing in a pea field.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 1993 Piper PA-25-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1993 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N8906L, operated by Rufener Spraying Service, at Clarence, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IS THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TREES AT THE END OF THE FIELD TO BE SPRAYED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12839. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.