Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 near Garwood, TX — 2011-05-10

Final reportCEN11CA330
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Date
2011-05-10
Location
Garwood, TX, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301
Registration
N5097S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during a low-level maneuvering flight.

NTSB narrative

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he was spraying a field at a low altitude. He said that transmission wires were located near the beginning of the field. He said the airplane encountered an unexpected downdraft which shifted the flight path towards the wires. He unsuccessfully attempted to fly under the wires, but the airplane's propeller and vertical fin struck the wires. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the vertical fin, and empennage. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot did not report any preimpact or mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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