Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain altitude during aerial application, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
NTSB analysis
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, the airplane was too close to the wires 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 revealed substantial damage to both wing spars. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA495 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alexander, New York
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-25-260
- N-number
- N6802L
- 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.