Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT 602 near Tiro, OH — 2020-07-27

Final reportCEN20CA312
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Date
2020-07-27
Location
Tiro, OH, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 602
Registration
N602FH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while attempting to fly under power lines during an aerial application pass.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight at the time of the accident. Before spraying, he circled the field and noted high tension power lines. He completed 3 spray runs without incident, passing under the power lines on 2 of those passes. However, on the 4th pass, the pilot "did not maintain a low enough altitude" and the vertical stabilizer struck the lines. The upper portion of the vertical stabilizer and the entire rudder separated from the airframe. He was able to maintain control with a "total loss of rudder control" and executed a forced landing to a harvested wheat field.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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