Flight Details
The flight was conducted for the purpose of shooting coyotes as part of a South Dakota wildlife management program.
Accident Sequence
While flying at an altitude of 125 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot initiated a descending left turn to allow a passenger to take a shot at a coyote. As the airplane descended to approximately 40 feet agl, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft but found that he could not pull back on the control stick. The control stick was jammed, leaving the airplane in a nose-low, left bank attitude. The pilot applied rudder input and reduced power before the airplane contacted the ground.
Impact and Damage
The airplane impacted terrain and slid sideways. During the slide, it encountered a badger hole, which caused the landing gear to collapse and the left wing to strike the ground.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the airplane revealed that a 12-gauge shotgun shell was jammed in the aft control stick, preventing its movement.