Summary
On September 23, 1993, a Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A DROMADER (N452TC) was involved in an accident near Frogmore, LA. The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE POWERLINE. A FACTOR WAS THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITION.
On September 22, 1993, at approximately 1920 central daylight time, a Melex M-18A Dromader, N452TC, was destroyed during aerial application maneuvering near Frogmore, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.
The operations ground manager reported the aircraft missing at 1920, after the aircraft failed to return from a local aerial application flight at the Hamilton Farms, near Frogmore. After a brief search, the wreckage was located at 1930 in a cultivated field in a remote rural area. There were no witnesses to this accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW93LA263. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N452TC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE POWERLINE. A FACTOR WAS THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITION.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 22, 1993, at approximately 1920 central daylight time, a Melex M-18A Dromader, N452TC, was destroyed during aerial application maneuvering near Frogmore, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.
The operations ground manager reported the aircraft missing at 1920, after the aircraft failed to return from a local aerial application flight at the Hamilton Farms, near Frogmore. After a brief search, the wreckage was located at 1930 in a cultivated field in a remote rural area. There were no witnesses to this accident.
The pilot survived the accident and was transported to the regional hospital for treatment, were he was reported in stable condition after surgery. He passed away two days later as result of complications from the injuries sustained. An autopsy and toxicological tests were not requested or performed.
The airplane was found in the inverted position with both wings separated from the airframe. Two trees were damaged and power lines were broken. The propeller assembly was found sheared at the propeller flange, with all four blades exhibiting S-bending and torsional twisting. The official sunset on the day of the accident occurred at 1857.
The wreckage was released to the owner's representative by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector at the accident site.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW93LA263