Air Tractor AT402
Liberal, KS — June 17, 2019
Event Information
| Date | June 17, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA352 |
| Event ID | 20190617X50831 |
| Location | Liberal, KS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.04306, -100.92111 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Air Tractor |
| Model | AT402 |
| 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 |
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a windmill tower while maneuvering at low altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight, his attention was focused, "on a shed and electrical lines." While maneuvering to the north at a low altitude, the airplane's right wing collided with an unseen galvanized windmill tower. He reported that the tower had blended into the gray sky. He attempted to control the airplane, but it descended and collided with the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no 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.