Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA08CA137

Muscle Shoals, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N402BT

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B

Analysis

The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated that he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Factual Information

The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from utility wires during low altitude maneuvers.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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