PIPER PA-25-260
Alexander, NY — August 2, 2012
Event Information
| Date | August 2, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA495 |
| Event ID | 20120802X43816 |
| Location | Alexander, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.92694, -78.19945 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-25-260 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain altitude during aerial application, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while spraying a cornfield, he saw two wires that he did not know were there. When the pilot saw the wires, they were too close for the airplane to climb over them. He then flew under the wires; however, the airplane impacted rolling terrain below the wires, bounced into the air, stalled, and came to rest in trees adjacent to the field. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to both wing spars. The inspector did not observe any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.