Aerial Application Aircraft Hits Ground During Turn

Casualties unknown • Aitkin, MN, US

An aircraft involved in aerial application operations struck the ground after the pilot turned into the sun, resulting in downed power lines.

What happened

During an aerial application operation, a pilot was performing passes across a field. A witness acting as a flagman reported that the pilot communicated via radio that the sun was causing visibility issues, making it difficult to see the ground crew.

The aircraft had completed a pass from west to east and then executed a left turn to head westbound. This maneuver directed the aircraft into the sun. Another witness on the ground observed that as the airplane made this left turn at the east end of the field, the left side of the aircraft was low. The pilot was descending at a high rate of speed and hit the ground.

Following the impact, the aircraft skidded to a halt. Upon approaching the wreckage, the flagman observed that power lines had been brought down during the event. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to turn the aircraft into the sun, resulting in a loss of visual reference and an uncontrolled descent into the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-08-23 Cessna A188B accident near Aitkin, MN?

An aircraft involved in aerial application operations struck the ground after the pilot turned into the sun, resulting in downed power lines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-08-23 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N4797Q, at Aitkin, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to turn the aircraft into the sun, resulting in a loss of visual reference and an uncontrolled descent into the ground.

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