Aviation Accident Summary CEN13CA019

Portales, NM, USA

Aircraft #1

N598LA

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B

Analysis

The private pilot was maneuvering the airplane above a crop field during an aerial application flight. Upon entering the field from the south, the pilot misjudged the airplane’s distance from power lines and struck a power line. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, which impacted terrain and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane or engine.

Factual Information

The commercial pilot was maneuvering the airplane above a crop field during an aerial application flight. Upon entering the field, the pilot misjudged the distance and struck a power line. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports