Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802 near Dumas, TX — 2017-05-15

Final reportGAA17CA285
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Date
2017-05-15
Location
Dumas, TX, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802
Registration
N319BM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at a low altitude during an agricultural application flight, a wind gust lifted the right wing and the left wing descended striking the "wheat" crop. Subsequently, the airplane was "sucked" into the wheat, and it then impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported that the wind was from 160° at 13 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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