Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802A near Newellton, LA — 2021-01-19

Final reportCEN21LA113
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Date
2021-01-19
Location
Newellton, LA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802A
Registration
N523BB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines/poles and terrain while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

Based on recorded data, the pilot of the aerial application flight maneuvered the airplane around the intended field to be sprayed prior to the accident. The wreckage was found near the field along with powerlines/poles, which exhibited features of an in-flight collision by the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. Based on the available evidence, the reason the airplane impacted the powerlines, poles, and terrain could not be determined. The pilot’s cardiovascular disease placed him at increased risk of acute impairment and incapacitation. However, available medical evidence is insufficient to establish whether acute impairment or incapacitation occurred and in the absence of clear operational evidence, it could not be determined whether the pilot’s cardiovascular disease contributed to the crash. Based on the available evidence, the reason the airplane impacted the powerlines, poles, and terrain could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided power lines during approach to target field.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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