Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B near Archer City, TX — 2015-05-31

Final reportGAA15LA101
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Date
2015-05-31
Location
Archer City, TX, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B
Registration
N120TF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from power transmission lines during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

The operator reported that the pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight when the airplane struck power transmission lines. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain about 75 ft east of a state highway. The pilot sustained serious injuries and did not remember the details of the accident. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the transmission lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the power lines during the maneuver.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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