No fatalities

Aerial Application Aircraft Stalls at Low Altitude and Impacts Terrain

Polson, MT, United States

On May 26, 2015, a CESSNA 188 UNDESIGNAT was involved in an aviation accident near Polson, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airplane pitch, power, and turn coordination while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a low-altitude aerial application flight, an airplane aerodynamically stalled and struck the ground, causing substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Incident Overview and Damage Assessment An airplane involved in an aerial application operation experienced an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering at low altitude. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. ## Pilot Report and Mechanical Findings The pilot reported that no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred that would have precluded normal operation. The source does not provide additional details regarding the specific aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or date of the incident. ## Operational Context The incident occurred during an aerial application flight, a type of operation that typically requires precise low-altitude maneuvering. The aerodynamic stall at low altitude was the direct factor leading to the terrain impact and subsequent structural damage to the aircraft's left wing.

Contributing factors

PilotPitch control — Not attained/maintainedAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedAngle of attack — Not attained/maintained