Aircraft impact during livestock spotting maneuver

Casualties unknown • Alzada, MT, US

A student pilot performing low-altitude livestock spotting encountered an unrecoverable roll during a turn, resulting in a ground impact and aircraft destruction.

What happened

A student pilot with 93 hours of flight time in the aircraft was conducting livestock spotting operations at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above the ground. The flight was occurring in turbulent conditions with northwest winds estimated at 20 knots.

While executing a right 180-degree turn at a 40-degree bank angle, the aircraft's bank exceeded 90 degrees. The pilot attempted to recover by applying full left aileron and rudder, but these inputs had no effect. The aircraft entered a rolling right descent. At an altitude of approximately 80 to 90 feet, the roll reversed into a left roll. During this maneuver, the nose and left wingtip struck the ground.

The impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel counter-clockwise for 270 degrees before coming to a stop. During the sequence, the engine separated from the airframe, and a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. There were no fatalities reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an unrecoverable roll during a steep turn, leading to ground impact and subsequent destruction by fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-06-21 Piper PA-11 accident near Alzada, MT?

A student pilot performing low-altitude livestock spotting encountered an unrecoverable roll during a turn, resulting in a ground impact and aircraft destruction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-06-21 involved a Piper PA-11, registration N4565M, operated by Pilster, Lane R., at Alzada, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an unrecoverable roll during a steep turn, leading to ground impact and subsequent destruction by fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030624X00948. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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