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| (File photo) Local emergency departments responded to a small aircraft crash at about 8:30 a.m., Aug. 3, in Clay County. The crash site was in the 4100 mile of 140th Avenue, less than two miles south of Royal. |
A National Transportation Safety Board review suggests pilot error was the cause of a crop duster crash in rural Clay County.
The crash occurred less than two miles south of Royal on Aug. 3. A call about the plane crash came into the Clay County Communication Center at about 8:30 a.m.
The pilot, Michael Raymond McDonald of Pocatello, Idaho, was found sitting on the east shoulder along 140th Avenue and was being attended to by an eyewitness.
McDonald was spraying a fungicide mixture above the cornfield and was 200 feet above ground level, according to the preliminary report. The pilot was lined up about one-half mile from the field he was going to spray.
At that point, McDonald apparently set a descent angle to clear power lines. At approximately 30 feet above the crop, he attempted to level off his descent. The report went on to say McDonald "reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane" during the flight.
He also told investigators a more shallow approach angle, or an attempt to level off the descent at a higher altitude, may have prevented the accident. McDonald's injuries were described as minor.
The fungicide mixture posed potential hazards to rescue personnel. After an on-site evaluation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, it was determined there is no threat or damage to the environment.
The aircraft was a 1963 Piper Pawnee, registered to Terry Osher of Wallingford. It was leased to Hoppe Air Spray LLC, which has a Terril address listed in the NTSB report.
The value of the aircraft is estimated at $45,000, and is considered a total loss.
Agents with the FAA were in charge of the crash site and aircraft upon their arrival in Spencer.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office was assisted with this airplane crash by Royal, Everly and Spencer Fire and Rescue departments, Spencer Hospital, Clay County Emergency Management, Green Plains Co-op, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Clay County Secondary Roads and the Spencer airport.
Necessary precautions were utilized to minimize risks taken by personnel assigned to clean up and recover the aircraft.
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So he made a mistake. At least he is still alive!