AIR TRACTOR INC AT
Hondo, TX — September 5, 2016
Event Information
| Date | September 5, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA462 |
| Event ID | 20160906X31104 |
| Location | Hondo, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.38083, -99.17472 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an antenna atop a tower while maneuvering at a low altitude and the airplane’s subsequent impact with terrain during an attempted off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at low altitude over a field during an aerial application flight, the airplane struck an antenna atop a tower adjacent to the field, and the antenna wrapped around the right wing and landing gear. The pilot further reported that he attempted an off-airport landing, but the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
In an email with the tower owner's lawyer, he reported that the tower was used for internet and two way communications. He further reported that the tower was under 200 feet above ground level and "with the antenna attached, the tower was in the mid to upper 100 [foot] range." The lawyer reported that the tower was marked and lit appropriately and was not registered, due to the tower height.
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.