Air Tractor AT 502

Americus, GA — November 28, 2018

Event Information

DateNovember 28, 2018
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA19CA078
Event ID20181128X42306
LocationAmericus, GA
CountryUSA
Coordinates32.03972, -84.29417
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeAir Tractor
ModelAT 502
CategoryAIR
FAR Part137
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a power line during an agricultural application flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he surveyed a field before spraying and observed multiple power line wires and poles. While spraying the field, after a turn, about 20 ft above ground, he pulled up and immediately felt "a massive jerk" and saw a "flash" (airplane nose struck a power line wire). The pilot entered a descending turn to an open field adjacent to the spray field. He pushed the power lever forward but did not get a response. During the forced landing, the right wing struck a tree, the airplane rotated 180°, and the left wing and empennage impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.

All Aviation Events More in GA