AIR TRACTOR AT-301
Malden, MO — April 2, 2010
Event Information
| Date | April 2, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA185 |
| Event ID | 20100405X01707 |
| Location | Malden, MO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.59833, -89.99250 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR |
| Model | AT-301 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| 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 a tree during an aerial application flight.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft after completing an aerial application pass. While climbing away from the field, the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree and the pilot performed an off-field landing instead of returning to the departure airport. The main landing gear collapsed during the landing in a rough field. A post-impact fire ensued on the right wing after the airplane came to rest. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
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.