Agricultural Aircraft Damage During Controlled Crash Landing

Casualties unknown • Clarence, MO, US

An agricultural aircraft sustained significant damage after striking tree branches during a low-level flight maneuver over a field.

What happened

After surveying a field for potential obstacles, the pilot completed an agricultural run at approximately 105 miles per hour. Prior to executing the necessary change in attitude required to exit the field, the pilot shut off the spray booms.

As the pilot looked over the right wing root to confirm that a tree had been cleared by at least 10 feet—an essential step before initiating an agricultural turn—the pilot heard a sound described as being similar to a saw blade in a sawmill. Upon looking forward, the pilot observed branches and leaves from the tree being thrown from the propeller.

The aircraft subsequently underwent a controlled crash landing, sliding to a stop in a pea field. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, hopper, cowling, propeller, wings, and the bottom skin of the aircraft. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot struck tree branches while attempting to initiate an agricultural turn after failing to maintain sufficient clearance from an obstacle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-07-12 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Clarence, MO?

An agricultural aircraft sustained significant damage after striking tree branches during a low-level flight maneuver over a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-07-12 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N8906L, operated by Rufener Spraying Service, at Clarence, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot struck tree branches while attempting to initiate an agricultural turn after failing to maintain sufficient clearance from an obstacle.

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.

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