AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Dumas, TX — May 15, 2017
Event Information
| Date | May 15, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA285 |
| Event ID | 20170515X44153 |
| Location | Dumas, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.90917, -102.08028 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT 802 |
| 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’s failure to maintain lateral control while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude during an aerial application flight, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and the left wing descended striking the "wheat" crop. Subsequently, the airplane was "sucked" into the wheat, the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 160° at 13 knots.
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.