AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Willcox, AZ — 2011-08-08

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tower while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the recent installation of the unmarked tower.

NTSB narrative

During an aerial application flight, the pilot was performing a calibration pass on the target field at an altitude of about 60 feet above ground level when the airplane struck an unmarked 80-foot-tall tower. The airplane's engine lost power, and during the forced landing, the airplane struck a fence, which damaged the left wing. According to the pilot, the tower had recently been installed without his knowledge.

NTSB coding

• Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) · Maneuvering
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• NTSB Safety Alert - Meteorological Evaluation Towersother

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