Accident Overview
On October 3, 2009, at approximately 1030 central daylight time, a Beech E18S, registration N797SB, operated by Brazoria County, Texas, was substantially damaged after striking a radio tower and impacting terrain while maneuvering near Lake Jackson, Texas. The aircraft was being operated as a public use flight for mosquito control under visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, a commercial pilot and the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight had originated from Brazoria County Airport (LBX) in Angleton, Texas, at about 0915.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's accident report, he was spraying a marshy area when, after completing a spray pass, he initiated a right 180-degree turn to an easterly heading. During the turn, the right wing struck a radio tower. The pilot was unaware of the extent of the damage and reported a "controllability issue." He made the decision to land in a pasture. During the landing, the airplane struck and killed a cow and a bull, then collided with a pile of wood.
Investigation Findings
The on-scene investigation revealed that the airplane came to rest in a field approximately one mile from the initial impact point. The left engine, left landing gear, and tail wheel were torn off. Parts of a communications antenna remained embedded in the right wing edge, just outboard of the engine. The right propeller was gouged.
An FAA inspector who visited the scene reported that the unlit 100-foot radio tower was located within the walls of the Clemens Correctional Facility. The tower, used for ground communications, had been in place for several years and was not marked on the Houston Sectional Chart.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a Beech E18S (N797SB) operated by Brazoria County, Texas, for aerial application of mosquito control. The flight was conducted under public use regulations.