Weatherly 201C N9054W accident near Bronson, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane’s airspeed decayed when he maneuvered to avoid some high tension power lines, while conducting an agricultural application pass. He leveled the wings and applied full engine power. The pilot turned further in an effort to avoid a populated area and toward a low point in the rising terrain. The airplane then entered a valley located between rolling hills, at which time the airplane started to sink. The airplane's right wing struck a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA565 for the full record.