Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an uncoordinated turn while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was hired to make a predator control flight. After completing a right turn to the west, he initiated a climbing left turn to the east and about 75ft above the ground, the airplane "banked violently to the right and back to the left about two-three times", descended and impacted the snow-covered ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The hiring agency check pilot reported that during a post-accident flight review with the accident pilot, the pilot did not apply rudder inputs during turns, steep turns, and stall recovery.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA158