Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 near Nicolaus, CA — 2016-06-01

Final reportGAA16CA303
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Date
2016-06-01
Location
Nicolaus, CA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502
Registration
N5091N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's insufficient clearance from a power line during aerial application operations, which resulted in a power line strike, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while performing aerial application operations and flying under power lines, the airplane propeller struck a power line. Subsequently, the airplane vibrated excessively and the pilot performed an off-airport landing at a farm field. The pilot further reported that during the landing roll, he could not maintain directional control of the airplane on the rough terrain; the airplane veered sharply to the right and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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