On October 26, 1993, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N39952) operated by Fagerholt Brothers Farming Asc was involved in an aviation accident near Woonsocket, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to fly at an unsafe altitude, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with powerlines and subsequently the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light airplane was observed flying at a dangerously low altitude over farm fields and a four-lane highway before striking overhead power lines, resulting in a ground impact and subsequent fire.
What happened
The aircraft was sighted operating at an unusually low altitude in the vicinity of the accident site. Witnesses located approximately one and a half miles southeast of the final resting place observed the airplane traversing farm fields. Subsequently, individuals traveling along a four-lane highway reported seeing the aircraft flying parallel to and directly over the roadway. The pilot appeared to be conducting maneuvers close to other road users; witnesses noted the airplane passing low over another vehicle that was occupied by the pilot's friends. Shortly after this observation, the aircraft struck powerlines spanning the road. The impact caused the airplane to collide with the ground, resulting in a violent explosion and fire.
The investigation
Investigation of the site confirmed the sequence of events described by eyewitnesses. The airplane sustained catastrophic damage upon striking the overhead utility lines before impacting the terrain. The force of the collision with the powerlines initiated a post-impact fire that destroyed the airframe.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to fly at an unsafe altitude, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with powerlines and subsequently the ground.
What happened in the 26 Oct 1993 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Woonsocket, SD?
A light airplane was observed flying at a dangerously low altitude over farm fields and a four-lane highway before striking overhead power lines, resulting in a ground impact and subsequent fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Oct 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N39952, operated by Fagerholt Brothers Farming Asc, at Woonsocket, SD.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to fly at an unsafe altitude, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with powerlines and subsequently the ground.
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