Accident Details
The pilot and passenger were conducting a coyote predation flight in a Piper PA-22-150. After successfully shooting one coyote, the pilot spotted a second coyote approximately 400 yards ahead. The pilot performed a low-altitude pass in a right slip, during which the passenger fired but missed, and the coyote dodged to the left. The passenger reported expecting the pilot to turn left, but the aircraft instead turned right and subsequently impacted the ground.
Data and Examination
A Garmin GPSMAP295 unit onboard provided position, time, and elevation data from takeoff until the accident, indicating the aircraft had been engaged in frequent low-altitude turning maneuvers for several minutes before the last recorded target. Post-crash examination revealed extensive damage to the right wing, which had separated from the fuselage. Damage to the left wing was confined to the leading edge outboard section. A moderate upward crush angle from the firewall to the propeller indicated that the aircraft was in a nose-low, right-wing-down attitude at impact. An FAA inspector found no evidence of mechanical or powerplant malfunction.
Occupant Status
Both occupants survived the crash; however, the pilot expired four days later due to injuries sustained in the accident.