What happened
The pilot of an aerial applicator airplane executed a landing on a roadway characterized by an uneven surface and loose gravel. Mature corn fields bordered the edges of this road. Upon initial contact with the ground, the left wing tip of the aircraft struck the adjacent corn stalks. Subsequent tracks in the gravel indicated that the airplane yawed approximately 45 degrees to the left shortly after touchdown. The vehicle continued its trajectory through a ditch and into the cornfield, where it finally came to rest.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site revealed distinct furrows in the gravel surface. These tracks provided evidence of the aircraft's directional change immediately following impact with the ground. The path of the debris and tire marks extended from the road surface, through a roadside ditch, and into the vegetation where the airplane stopped.
Findings
The uneven terrain and loose gravel on the landing surface likely contributed to the loss of directional control. The presence of mature corn along the road edges presented an obstacle that was struck during the initial phase of the landing roll. The subsequent yaw to the left directed the aircraft off the roadway and into a ditch.
Safety message
Pilots operating aerial applicator aircraft should exercise extreme caution when selecting emergency or unprepared landing sites. Roads with uneven surfaces, loose gravel, or nearby vegetation pose significant risks for loss of control upon touchdown.