Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT502 near South Bay, FL — 2020-06-29

Final reportERA20CA231
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Date
2020-06-29
Location
South Bay, FL, USA
Airport
X10
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT502
Registration
N42190
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control during the approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with vegetation and terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing an aerial application flight, and after distributing dry fertilizer he entered a downwind approach to land on a dirt road next to the field he was spraying. During a 180° turn to line up with the road, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. He added power, levelled the wings, deployed the flaps, and recovered from the stall; however, the airplane was too low and its landing gear struck sugar cane in the field. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, and the fuselage and empennage were substantially damaged. The operator reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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