Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 602 near Pine Bluff, AR — 2015-08-26

Final reportCEN15LA384
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Date
2015-08-26
Location
Pine Bluff, AR, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 602
Registration
N3026R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was lining up the airplane for the last spray run of the field but that he had no recollection of the accident. An examination of the wreckage site revealed that the airplane was operating at high speed in a wings-level attitude when it impacted terrain. The airplane traveled more than 200 yards following the initial impact before coming to rest inverted in the field. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions, and the operator reported that there was no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the trim pass if aware of surroundings.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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