On July 28, 1995, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7797Z) operated by Ronn N. Syverson was involved in an aviation accident near Oklee, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attention was diverted from flying due to a problem with the automatic flagger, leading to failure to clear trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot spraying a field experienced an automatic flagger issue, became distracted, and struck treetops, resulting in loss of control and a post-impact fire.
Incident Details
A pilot was engaged in aerial spraying of a field when a problem arose with the automatic flagger system. The pilot had just completed a pass and was pulling up when he noticed something unusual about the flagger. His attention became diverted from flying the aircraft, and he subsequently failed to clear nearby trees.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft's wings or other parts contacted the tops of the trees. Following the impact with the trees, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft then impacted terrain in a field. Shortly after the impact, a fire erupted and the airplane burned.
No additional details about the aircraft, location, pilot injuries, or other factors were provided in the initial report.
Probable cause
The pilot's attention was diverted from flying due to a problem with the automatic flagger, leading to failure to clear trees.