Agricultural aircraft forced landing results in terrain impact

Casualties unknown • Minot, ND, US

An agricultural spray airplane sustained substantial damage after experiencing engine power loss and a subsequent stall during an attempted forced landing.

What happened

During a routine mission, the pilot of an agricultural spray airplane departed to treat a field with approximately two hours of fuel remaining on board. Approximately 1.5 hours into the flight, while returning to a private airstrip, the aircraft's engine lost power.

The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing onto a gravel road; however, upon observing an approaching vehicle, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid ground traffic. During a left bank, the stall warning light illuminated. As the pilot began to flare approximately 50 feet above the ground, the aircraft stalled, causing the left wing to drop prior to impacting the terrain.

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, and the pilot was not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-08-05 Piper PA-25 accident near Minot, ND?

An agricultural spray airplane sustained substantial damage after experiencing engine power loss and a subsequent stall during an attempted forced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-08-05 involved a Piper PA-25, registration N7587Z, at Minot, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel calculations and the low airspeed which resulted in the pilot stalling the airplane. A factor was the car on the road which prevented the pilot from landing on the road.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060818X01214. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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