Aircraft collision with radio tower and subsequent landing accident

No fatalities • Jones Creek, United States of America • Flight

An agricultural aircraft struck a radio tower during a turn while performing mosquito spraying operations, leading to a subsequent emergency landing in a pasture.

What happened

While conducting mosquito abatement operations over a marshy region, the pilot of an unidentified aircraft completed a spray pass and initiated a 180-degree right turn toward the east. During this maneuver, the right wing of the aircraft made contact with a 100-foot radio tower. The tower, which was used for ground communications and located within the perimeter of a correctional facility, was unlit and not indicated on sectional aeronautical charts.

Following the collision, the pilot experienced significant controllability issues but was unable to determine the full extent of the structural damage sustained. Due to the degraded flight characteristics, the pilot opted to perform an emergency landing in a nearby pasture. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a bull and a cow, resulting in the deaths of both animals. The aircraft then collided with a stack of wood, causing substantial damage to the airframe.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck an unmarked, unlit radio tower during a turn, leading to flight control difficulties and a subsequent ground collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-10-03 Beechcraft E18 accident near Jones Creek, United States of America?

An agricultural aircraft struck a radio tower during a turn while performing mosquito spraying operations, leading to a subsequent emergency landing in a pasture.

Were there any fatalities in the 2009-10-03 Beechcraft E18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-10-03 involved a Beechcraft E18, registration N797SB, operated by Brazoria County Mosquito Control District, at Jones Creek, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck an unmarked, unlit radio tower during a turn, leading to flight control difficulties and a subsequent ground collision.

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