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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

May 20, 1998 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N1009T

Idaho Falls, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Idaho Falls, ID
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N1009T
Operator
Lewis Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA98LA080

According to the pilot, who was maneuvering near the power line while applying chemicals to a field, he had just rolled wings-level and descended for another pass when his left wing contacted the top wire of the power line. He said that he saw the line and thought he had clearance, but the aircraft's wing caught the wire near its tip. He reported that after colliding with the power line, the aircraft struck the ground in a 'cart-wheeling' motion. He further stated that he was accustomed to flying the AT-300, but that he had recently purchased the AT-401, and that this was his first application flight using the new aircraft. It was his opinion that the different size and sight-picture of the 401 had caused him to think he had more clearance from the wire than he actually had.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power transmission line during an aerial application flight. Factors include a power line located just beyond the boundary of the field being sprayed, and the pilot's incorrect judgement of the distance between the wire and his aircraft.

Full Narrative

On May 20, 1998, approximately 0915 mountain daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N1009T, collided with a power transmission line during an aerial application flight about two miles northwest of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries, and the aircraft, which was owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight, which originated at an agricultural airstrip near Osgood, Idaho, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. According to the pilot, who had been maneuvering near the power line while applying chemicals to a field, he was just rolling wings-level and descending for another pass when his left wing contacted the top wire of a power line located just beyond the boundary of the field he was spraying. He said that he saw the line and thought he had clearance, but the aircraft's wing caught the wire near its tip. He reported that after colliding with the power line, the aircraft struck the ground in a "cart-wheeling" motion. He further stated that he was accustomed to flying the AT-300, but that he had recently purchased the AT-401, and that this was his first application flight using the new aircraft. It was his opinion that the different size and sight-picture of the 401 had caused him to think he had more clearance from the wire than he actually had.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN1009T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLewis Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · 1340-AN2 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data