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Casualties unknown

Pilot Dies from Chemical Exposure After Aerial Application Accident (N57577)

Estelline, TX, US

On October 10, 1993, a Piper PA-36-285 (registration N57577) was involved in an aviation accident near Estelline, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CLEARANCE NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a turnaround maneuver, an agricultural airplane's left wing struck cotton trailers, then hit trucks at a cotton gin. The pilot fell from the inverted aircraft and was saturated with chemical load, leading to death from paraquat dichloride toxicity and chemical burns.

Accident Sequence

During an aerial application turnaround maneuver, the left wing of the airplane struck cotton trailers. Subsequently, the airplane hit trucks that were parked at a cotton gin. After the airplane came to rest inverted, the pilot released the emergency exit door and fell from the airplane to the ground. The pilot was saturated by the chemical load that spilled from the airplane's hopper.

Injuries and Cause of Death

According to the regional flight surgeon, the pilot did not suffer any traumatic injuries during the impact sequence. Chemical burns and paraquat dichloride toxicity were reported as the cause of death.

Loss of control in flight

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13553. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.