On May 17, 1998, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A (registration N2284B) was involved in an aviation accident near Dawson, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during an aerial application flight, which resulted in the propeller contacting a telephone pole and subsequent loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application flight, the aircraft's propeller struck a telephone pole 30 feet above ground while flying east into the sun, causing loss of control and impact with terrain.
What happened
The accident occurred during an aerial application mission when the aircraft was flying eastward directly into the sun. At approximately 30 feet above the ground, the propeller made contact with a telephone pole. This collision resulted in an immediate loss of airplane control. Consequently, the aircraft descended and impacted the terrain.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical effects of the impact. It was determined that the contact between the propeller and the utility structure caused the loss of control. No other mechanical failures were identified prior to the collision.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during an aerial application flight, which resulted in the propeller contacting a telephone pole and subsequent loss of control.
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