Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Dumas, AR — 2021-03-15

Final reportCEN21LA161
Sign in to save
Date
2021-03-15
Location
Dumas, AR, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Registration
N119KP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.

NTSB narrative

Two agricultural application airplanes were operating at low altitude and in proximity to the other. One pilot intended to land at an airstrip, and the other pilot circled a field to scout for obstacles. Both pilots, while focused on their specific tasks, failed to visually identify the other airplane; as a result, the airplanes collided in flight. Both airplanes landed without further incident. One airplane sustained substantial damage and the other sustained minor damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilots could have communicated or checked for other aircraft before descending.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps