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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 21, 1995 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N5237S

Meade, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Meade, KS
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N5237S
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI95LA106

WHILE MANEUVERING DURING AERIAL APPLICATION, THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED A UTILITY POLE WITH THE RIGHT WING AND DESCENDED INTO THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION FAILED TO REVEAL ANY PRE- IMPACT ANOMALIES WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ANY PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE PILOT WHICH WOULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's not obtaining/maintaining clearance with the utility pole. A factor was the utility pole.

Full Narrative

On March 20, 1995, at 1855 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N5237S, registered to Bringham Flying Service, Inc., of Meade, Kansas, and operated by a commercial rated pilot, impacted a pole, and the terrain, while maneuvering during the aerial application of a herbicide, ten miles north of Meade, Kansas. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The local CFR Part 137 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight originated from Meade, Kansas, time unknown. An eyewitness stated that he had observed the accident airplane conducting the aerial application to the south of his position. His attention was directed to some work he was doing when he heard a noise and realized that the airplane had impacted an electrical power pole. He stated that he then watched as the airplane impacted the terrain. Portions of the right wing, right wing tip, and right aileron were found co-located with the top of the utility pole across the road from the pole and in the direction of travel of the accident airplane. A wreckage diagram was prepared by an FAA inspector and is attached to this report. An examination of the accident site revealed sequential horizontal indentations in the terrain at the initial terrain impact point consistent with the proportion and location of the propeller blades. Inspection of the engine failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies. Post mortem examination of the pilot found no pre existent pathology. The autopsy was conducted at the Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Kansas, on March 21, 1995. Toxicological examination of post-accident specimens from the pilot detected 38.600 (ug/ml, ug/g) salicylate in the urine. Salicylate is a by-product of aspirin

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN5237S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 9 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data