# NTSB CHI98LA155: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A, N2284B, Dawson, ND, May 17, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1998, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Dawson, ND
- Coordinates: 46.859863, -99.75045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8599&lon=-99.7505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10879
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10879/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA155

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the telephone pole.  Factors associated with the accident were the pole and the glare from the rising sun.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The propeller contacted a telephone pole at a height 30 feet above the ground during an aerial application flight.  The result of the impact was a loss of airplane control, followed by the airplane descending to impact the terrain.  The airplane was flying to the east, into the sun at the time of the accident.

## Factual narrative

On May 17, 1998, at 0830 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18A, N2284B, operated by Kratz Aerial Ag Service, Inc., collided with a telephone pole during an aerial application maneuver.  The accident occurred near Dawson, North Dakota.  The commercial pilot received serious injuries.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.

Post accident inspection of the accident site by an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office revealed the propeller on N2284B contacted the telephone pole at a height of about 30 feet above the ground.  The propeller was "severely" damaged and twisted according to the inspector.  The airplane impacted the terrain after it collided with the telephone pole.  The airplane was traveling to the east into the sun at the time of the accident.

The pilot does not remember any event surrounding the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2284B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2284B-2000-11-28), registration cancelled 2000-11-28, S/N 1Z024-24 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A
- Registry model: [WSK PZL Mielec M-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-m-18a) (registry code 9810103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1Z024-24
- Engines: Airesearch TPE-331 600 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Kratz Aerial Ag Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: TAPPEN, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 6,000 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BIS, 57 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19980517009589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980517009589A), May 17, 1998: Wsk M18A, Dawson, ND, Substantial damage. Acft struck power lines in flight and crahsed during aerial application, Dawson, ND (.4)the propeller contacted a telephone pole at a height 30 feet above the…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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