SEA03LA111

The student pilot, who had logged at least 93 hours of flight time in the accident aircraft (total time), was engaged in livestock spotting at low altitude (200 feet above ground) in turbulent conditions with a wind out of the northwest estimated at 20 knots. During a 40-degree angle of bank, right 180 degree turn, the aircraft's angle of bank exceeded 90 degrees and the pilot applied full left aileron and rudder with no effect. The aircraft continued a rolling right descent and when about 80-90 feet above ground, the roll reversed into a left roll during which the left wingtip and nose impacted the ground. The aircraft cartwheeled counter-clockwise 270 degrees to a stop during which the engine separated from the airframe. A post-crash fire consumed the aircraft.

On June 21, 2003, approximately 0815 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-11, N4565M, registered to Pilster Ranch Corp., and being flown by a student pilot was destroyed in a post-crash fire following a loss of control in flight while maneuvering approximately 14 miles north-northwest of Alzada, Montana. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal (livestock spotting), was operated under 14CFR91, and originated from the pilot's ranch approximately 0800.

The pilot, who had been issued a student pilot certificate on July 21, 2000 (concurrent with his last known Class III medical) reported that he departed the Pilster Ranch approximately 12 nautical miles north of Alzada and was checking livestock north of highway 212. He indicated that the wind was from the northwest about 20 knots and he was flying eastbound about 200 feet above ground at 2000 RPM. He noted something of interest on the ground and began a right 40-degree angle of bank turn. He had turned right almost to the point of flying directly into the wind when the aircraft's angle of bank exceeded 90 degrees right wing down. He reported that he "...had the stick and rudder all the way over to the left, but the plane did not respond and it started to roll in towards the ground...."

He continued, relating that when about 80-90 feet above ground the aircraft rolled back to the left and the left wingtip struck the ground followed by the nose. The aircraft cartwheeled counter-clockwise 270 degrees to a stop coming to rest with the engine detached and about six feet forward and left of the cockpit. He noted a fire forward of the cockpit area, exited the aircraft, and radioed for help. The pilot reported light to moderate turbulence at the time of the accident.

A copy of the pilot's logbook opened with the first entry logged July 19, 2000. The last entry logged was October 7, 2001, and the total flight time recorded was approximately 93 hours, all in the PA-11.