Accident Details
On August 17, 2012, at approximately 0935 central daylight time, a Cessna A150L, registration N6006J, struck the ground in a corn field 13 miles north of Tribune, Kansas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Sharon Springs, Kansas, Municipal Airport (6KS4) around 0900.
Investigation
The airport manager reported that the pilot departed 6KS4 about 0900. At 0938, the pilot telephoned his wife to inform her of the accident. Emergency personnel were notified, and the pilot was transported to the hospital. The airport manager visited the accident scene shortly afterward and observed a large quantity of fuel on the ground beneath the airplane.
On August 22, 2012, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors and a representative from Cessna Aircraft Corporation inspected the wreckage at the Tribune Municipal Airport. The engine was partially separated from the airframe, and the firewall was wrinkled. The bottom of the fuselage beneath the cabin area was buckled, and the fuselage skin was wrinkled. Both wings were crushed.
Witness Statement
The owner and president of Chem-Tek Spray Company told investigators that the pilot had been examining crops while flying in an easterly direction at a low airspeed and altitude. As the pilot banked right to turn south, the right wing contacted the tops of corn stalks, causing the airplane to strike the ground.
Pilot Condition
Due to the severity of his injuries, the pilot has been unable to complete the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1/2, Pilot-Operator Aircraft Accident Report.