Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA540

East Grand Forks, MN, USA

Aircraft #1

N4516K

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude on an agricultural application flight when the right wing contacted the crops during a turn. He was unable to recover and subsequently impacted the terrain. The airplane was substantially damaged. He noted that he had lost track of the airplane's altitude as he was referencing some charts in an attempt to locate the correct field to be sprayed. He added that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that he was maneuvering at low altitude on an agricultural application flight when the right wing contacted the crops during a turn. He was unable to recover and subsequently impacted the terrain. He noted that he had lost track of the airplane's altitude as he was referencing some charts in an attempt to locate the correct field to be sprayed. He added that there were no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the crops while maneuvering at low altitude.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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