Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper decision to perform a low altitude fly-by over ground equipment, which resulted in the airplane striking the equipment.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was maneuvering to perform an aerial application. He noticed a ground application operator whom was located inside of the cab of the ground application equipment. The pilot decided to perform a "close fly-by" over the ground equipment. The left main landing gear struck the ground equipment cab, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. He landed on the gravel taxiway that paralleled runway 30. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left main landing gear attachment points.
Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented, "had the pilot used better judgement and not done a close fly-by the ground application equipment" which was also owned by the operator.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA321