Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B near Newton, GA — 2012-10-20

Final reportERA13CA033
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Date
2012-10-20
Location
Newton, GA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
Registration
N502PB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering, which resulted in a hard forced landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was performing an agricultural application over a cotton field bordered by a set of power lines. After making a pass over the field, the pilot ascended to fly over the power lines. While turning back toward the field, he “misjudged” the location of a static cable. The airplane’s main landing gear contacted the cable, and the airplane entered a rapid descent. The pilot initiated a forced landing in the cotton field, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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