AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Harrold, SD — March 6, 2009
Event Information
| Date | March 6, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA194 |
| Event ID | 20090309X15351 |
| Location | Harrold, SD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.52222, -99.73889 |
| Airport | Harrold |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT-502B |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| 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 clearance from the power lines during his turn to reverse course due to weather. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility at the time of the accident.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he had been established in cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level for the approximate 45-minute cross-country flight. As he neared the destination airport, he descended to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) in order to view some winter wheat fields for the upcoming agricultural spraying season. As he leveled off, he observed increasing fog along his route of flight. He began a 180-degree turn to reverse course and intended to divert to an intermediate airport when the airplane impacted a high-tension power line. The airplane severed one of the lines and subsequently impacted an adjacent farm field. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the collision with the power line. The pilot reported weather conditions at the time of the accident as an obscured ceiling about 800 feet agl, with 2 miles visibility in fog. Winds were light and variable, and there was no precipitation.
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.