AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402B
Newport, AR — June 21, 2014
Event Information
| Date | June 21, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN14CA314 |
| Event ID | 20140624X04202 |
| Location | Newport, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.59750, -91.29000 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT 402B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot misjudged his altitude which resulted in the airplane contacting a wire during the low altitude aerial application maneuver.
Full Narrative
The accident occurred during an aerial application flight. The pilot made the first spray pass over the field during which he flew under a wire at the end of the field. He stated he flew under the wire to avoid spraying chemical on a neighboring field. The pilot stated that he misjudged his altitude as he entered the field for the second pass, again flying under the wire, and the top of the vertical stabilizer contacted the wire. A piece of the vertical stabilizer separated from the airplane. The rudder was bent and partially detached from the vertical stabilizer. The airplane nosed down, impacted the terrain, and slid about 200 yards prior to coming to rest. The pilot stated there were no pre-impact mechanical issues with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.