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Aerial Application Flight Ends in Stall and Impact with Terrain

Bancroft, ID, United States

On July 15, 2019, a Piper PA36 285 operated by Curtis E. Hill was involved in an aviation accident near Bancroft, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During an aerial application flight, the pilot stalled the airplane in a low altitude turn. Jettisoning chemicals did not prevent descent; the airplane impacted a hillside, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and engine mounts.

Incident Overview

An aerial application flight ended when the pilot stalled the airplane during a low altitude turn. According to the pilot's report, the stall occurred while maneuvering, and the pilot jettisoned the chemicals in an attempt to recover. Despite this action, the airplane continued to descend and ultimately impacted a hillside.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage and engine mounts as a result of the impact. The extent of damage indicates a significant collision with the terrain.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's account provides no indication of any technical issues contributing to the event.

Context

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, or time of day were provided in the source. The flight was conducted for aerial application purposes, and the incident occurred during a low-altitude turn.

Contributing factors

Angle of attack — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 2019 Piper PA36 285 accident near Bancroft, ID?

During an aerial application flight, the pilot stalled the airplane in a low altitude turn. Jettisoning chemicals did not prevent descent; the airplane impacted a hillside, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and engine mounts.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jul 2019 Piper PA36 285 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 2019 involved a Piper PA36 285, operated by Curtis E. Hill, at Bancroft, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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