Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during a course reversal at the completion of an agricultural spray run.
NTSB analysis
The aerial application airplane was observed in a steep left turn before it descended into a wooded area located along the edge of the field being sprayed. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the airplane was completing a course reversal after a spray run. The airplane exhibited substantial impact damage and fragmentation, consistent with a descent through a wooded area. The wreckage debris path was consistent with the airplane having a significant lateral velocity during the impact sequence. The investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented the normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA124 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Lisbon, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-25-235
- N-number
- N4352Y
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.