Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802 near Trumann, AR — 2017-07-25

Final reportGAA17CA454
Sign in to save
Date
2017-07-25
Location
Trumann, AR, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Registration
N802DL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to continue flight in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in collision with the ground.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an agricultural application flight and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180° turn, but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 11 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, and the cloud celling was overcast at 300 ft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps