CHI99LA229

The airplane impacted terrain during an aerial application. The pilot reported the following in a written statement. 'Field to be sprayed had large hill on one end which effected my turning ability. Had problems maneuvering due to terrain. Dumped load. Aircraft still could not clear terrain...' Flight control continuity was established and fuel aboard the aircraft was noted. There was a series of slash marks in the field.

On July 12, 1999, at 0750 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235, N7329Z, operated by Olson Aerial Applications Incorporated, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated from the Dickinson Municipal Airport (DIK), Dickinson, North Dakota, at 0730.

The pilot reported the following in a written statement. "Departed DIK at 0730. Aircraft full of fuel 100 gallons spray chemical. Field to be sprayed had large hill on one end which effected my turning ability. Had problems maneuvering due to terrain. Dumped load. Aircraft still could not clear terrain. Ended up with gear damage and propeller."

Flight control continuity was established and fuel aboard the aircraft was noted by the Federal Aviation Administration. There was a series of slash marks in the field.