AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502
Edna, TX — July 2, 2017
Event Information
| Date | July 2, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA385 |
| Event ID | 20170705X40153 |
| Location | Edna, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.98611, -96.75889 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT 502 |
| 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 see and avoid a tower during an agricultural application flight.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude over a field during an aerial application flight, he was focused on the top of the electrical poles that paralleled the field. He added that he crossed between the electrical poles and was focused on the pole to the right of the airplane. Once he crossed the top wire he focused his attention forward, but added that he "was staring at a 30-ft tower just to the left of the nose" of the airplane. The airplane struck the tower and then impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.