Aircraft gear separation during low-level spray test

Casualties unknown • Fargo, ND, US

A pilot experienced landing gear separation after a wing struck grain during a low-altitude flight intended to test dye spray uniformity.

What happened

At 10:50 am, the pilot departed from a grass airstrip in an unidentified aircraft carrying 50 gallons of water mixed with dye. The objective of the flight was to perform a swath width and uniformity test by spraying the dye over a string positioned east and west at the west end of the runway.

The pilot initiated the swath run at an altitude of approximately 10 feet above the ground, starting roughly one-half mile north of the target string. As the aircraft approached within 300 feet of the string, the pilot observed orange cone markers intended to indicate the flight path over the center of the string.

While attempting to align the aircraft with these markers, the pilot lowered a wing into the grain. This contact caused the aircraft to drag sideways across the surface. Upon impacting the ground in this attitude, the landing gear was torn from the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to align with visual markers resulted in a wing strike against the grain, causing the aircraft to drag and the landing gear to separate.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-12 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Fargo, ND?

A pilot experienced landing gear separation after a wing struck grain during a low-altitude flight intended to test dye spray uniformity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-12 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N4652Y, at Fargo, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to align with visual markers resulted in a wing strike against the grain, causing the aircraft to drag and the landing gear to separate.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19192. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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