Accident Details
On June 18, 2011, about 0730 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235, registration N7018Z, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain near Faith, South Dakota. The pilot, who was the sole occupant and operator, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed Faith Municipal Airport (D07) at approximately 0700.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that after completing an agricultural spray run, he attempted to turn around without extending over an adjacent river bank. As he climbed to initiate the turn, the airplane began to stall. There was insufficient altitude to recover, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot noted that the river bank was about 250 feet above the height of the field and speculated that the wind may have changed due to the terrain. He stated that there were no problems with the airplane prior to the accident. He added that making a wider turn outside the river bank might have prevented the accident.
Weather Conditions
At D07, located about 15 miles northwest of the accident site, the reported wind at 0656 was from 190 degrees at 13 knots. At 0756, the wind was from 160 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 17 knots. The pilot reported a south wind at 13 knots with no gusts.