On October 20, 1997, a Piper PA-25-235C (registration N9567P) was involved in an aviation accident near Blakley, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot misjudge clearance from trees during pull-up from a swath run. The obstructions (power line and trees) were related factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a pull-up from a swath run, an agricultural airplane struck a tree, then impacted the ground and burned. The pilot reported no mechanical issues before impact.
Event Description
The accident occurred while the airplane was performing an agricultural spraying operation. During the pull-up from a swath run, the airplane collided with a tree. The pilot later stated that before initiating the pull-up, he had been checking the drift of the spray for the next swath run. He was aware of the presence of trees in the area and had planned to pull up from beneath a set of utility lines before reaching the trees.
Pilot Actions
Following the collision with the tree, the airplane began to roll to the left. The pilot managed to maintain the aircraft upright by reducing engine power and applying opposite aileron. Despite these efforts, the airplane subsequently impacted the ground and was consumed by fire.
Outcome
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical problems with the airplane. No further details about the aircraft, operator, or injuries were provided.