Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW99LA249

SEMINOLE, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N5005G

Air Tractor AT-502B

Analysis

The pilot was dispensing a pesticide to a cotton field. As the agricultural airplane was crossing over a set of power lines, it struck the top wire. The aircraft impacted the ground 'flat,' slid across a road, and came to a stop upright.

Factual Information

On September 6, 1999, at 1035 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N5005G, was substantially damaged when it impacted a power line and terrain while maneuvering near Seminole, Texas. The aircraft was registered to Corning Farm Supply, Inc., of Corning, Arkansas, and operated by Addison Flying Service of Seminole, Texas. The commercial rated pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from the Gaines County Airport located near Seminole, at an unknown time. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he was dispensing a pesticide to a cotton field. As the aircraft was crossing over a set of power lines, it struck the top wire. The aircraft impacted the ground "flat," slid across a road, and came to a stop upright. Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that both main landing gear were separated, the firewall was damaged, and the tail section was partially separated just aft of the cockpit area. The propeller and both wing tips were also damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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