Air Tractor AT 602
La Ward, TX — June 9, 2019
Event Information
| Date | June 9, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA354 |
| Event ID | 20190617X70049 |
| Location | La Ward, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.73056, -96.45361 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Air Tractor |
| Model | AT 602 |
| 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 a wire during an aerial application flight in sun glare conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, about 15 to 40 ft. agl and traveling westward with the sun in his eyes, the airplane's rudder struck a wire and separated. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The pilot added that he thought the airplane already cleared the wire when the collision occurred.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
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.