Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT 502 near Pecan Gap, TX — 2020-04-08

Final reportCEN20LA143
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Date
2020-04-08
Location
Pecan Gap, TX, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 502
Registration
N9185D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from tree, which resulted in a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight. There were no witnesses to the accident, but the wreckage path was consistent with an in-flight collision with a tree near the edge of the field and subsequent impact with terrain. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An autopsy was not performed; however, a review of the pilot’s medical history and postaccident medical treatment did not reveal any evidence that a preexisting medical condition contributed to the accident. The evidence is consistent with the pilot not maintaining adequate clearance from the tree, and the airplane’s collision with a tree and impact with terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided tree collision by maintaining altitude during aerial application.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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