Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 near Paragould, AR — 2016-10-18

Final reportGAA17CA030
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Date
2016-10-18
Location
Paragould, AR, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502
Registration
N4218E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to avoid electrical wires during low-altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a wire strike.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in a left turn during an aerial application flight the airplane encountered a gust of wind and began to "shake", so he leveled the wings momentarily before continuing the turn. He further reported that he was looking at the field instead of where he was turning and when the airplane was 30-50 feet above the ground he looked up and saw electrical wires. The right wing tip struck the electrical wires and the airplane made a forced landing in a nearby pond. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings and fuselage. The pilot also reported that during the day of the accident he was under stress and his head was "in another place". The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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