Probable cause
The pilot’s misperception of the rising terrain resulting in a collision with crops and terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while he maneuvered to apply agricultural product to a field, he did not perceive a higher slope of crops before making an application pass. The airplane’s landing gear became entangled in the crops and the pilot could not power the airplane free. The airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane’s left wing and empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions contributed to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA357 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hartington, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- (n/a)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA25
- N-number
- N8847L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.