Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT402 near Liberal, KS — 2019-06-17

Final reportGAA19CA352
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Date
2019-06-17
Location
Liberal, KS, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT402
Registration
N5044Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a windmill tower while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, his attention was focused "on a shed and electrical lines." While maneuvering to the north at a low altitude, the airplane's right wing collided with an unseen galvanized windmill tower. He reported that the tower had blended into the gray sky. He attempted to control the airplane, but it descended and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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