Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Pine Bluffs, WY — 2011-08-17

Final reportWPR11LA388
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Date
2011-08-17
Location
Pine Bluffs, WY, USA
Airport
82V
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Registration
N8518Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was conducting an aerial application flight when he inadvertently struck power lines while maneuvering. The airplane struck the ground with the right wing first and then rolled to the left, coming to rest with the left wing and tail section contacting the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane and stated the accident could have been prevented if he had paid more attention to the wire height, and maintained additional clearance above the wires.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained additional clearance above the wires.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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