Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402 near Nicolaus, CA — 2018-05-19

Final reportGAA18CA309
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Date
2018-05-19
Location
Nicolaus, CA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402
Registration
N5128N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a power transmission wire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he observed a power transmission wire with no obstructions underneath. He added that he turned around to enter the spray field under the wire, where he observed one wire sagging lower than the other wires. While flying under the power transmission wire, the airplane encountered turbulence, so he decided to lower the nose to prevent being pushed into the wire. However, the tail rose up and struck the power transmission wire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was calm.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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