NTSB Factual Report

On September 22, 1993, at approximately 1920 central daylight time, a Melex M-18A Dromader, N452TC, was destroyed during aerial application maneuvering near Frogmore, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight.

The operations ground manager reported the aircraft missing at 1920, after the aircraft failed to return from a local aerial application flight at the Hamilton Farms, near Frogmore. After a brief search, the wreckage was located at 1930 in a cultivated field in a remote rural area. There were no witnesses to this accident.

The pilot survived the accident and was transported to the regional hospital for treatment, were he was reported in stable condition after surgery. He passed away two days later as result of complications from the injuries sustained. An autopsy and toxicological tests were not requested or performed.

The airplane was found in the inverted position with both wings separated from the airframe. Two trees were damaged and power lines were broken. The propeller assembly was found sheared at the propeller flange, with all four blades exhibiting S-bending and torsional twisting. The official sunset on the day of the accident occurred at 1857.

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE POWERLINE. A FACTOR WAS THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITION.