Flight Details
The pilot, a commercial pilot with approximately 3,300 hours of flight experience, was conducting an aerial observation flight for pipeline patrol. According to the operator, pipeline patrolling is normally performed from an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level. The pipeline being patrolled at the time of the accident was aligned on a heading of 50 to 60 degrees.
Accident Sequence
While circling an area of disturbed dirt along the path of a buried pipeline, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The hand-held GPS onboard the airplane provided the track of the airplane to impact with the ground.
Meteorological Conditions
The prevailing winds at the time of the accident were reported from 030 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Investigation Findings
The operator reported that the airplane has a range of 6 hours when all tanks are full of fuel; however, company procedures are to not exceed 4 hours between refueling stops. No anomalies were found with the airframe or engine that could have prevented normal flight operation.