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August 25, 2002 · Air Tractor AT-402A · N9032K

Cherokee, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Cherokee, IA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-402A
Tail Number
N9032K
Operator
Vance J Bakke
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA259

The airplane contacted power lines during an aerial application flight. The pilot reported he was making a swath run along a set of power lines that ran north and south through the middle of a field when the airplane contacted another set of power lines that ran east and west along the north edge of the field. The top 10 inches of the vertical stabilizer and the rudder separated from the airplane. The pilot reported that when the rudder separated, the rudder pedals were "pulled tight against the hopper" which resulted in him having no rudder control. In addition, he stated that he only had "some" aileron control. The pilot reported that about one-half mile from the airport, he pulled the power back to 1,000 pounds of torque and the airplane began to bank to the right. He reported that he was unable to control the bank with the ailerons. According to the pilot, the airplane then banked to the left, the nose pitched up, and the airplane "rolled over on its back." He reported the nose then dropped and the airplane descended into the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance with the power lines resulting in the rudder separation and the subsequent loss of aircraft control. A factor associated with the accident was the power line that was contacted.

Full Narrative

On August 25, 2002, at 1000 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-402A, N9032K, operated by Bakke Flying Service, contacted power lines during an aerial application flight in Cherokee, Iowa. The airplane then contacted the terrain while attempting to land at the Cherokee Municipal Airport (CKP), Cherokee, Iowa. The commercial rated pilot was seriously injured. The airplane received substantial damage. The Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from CKP at 0830. The pilot reported he was making a swath run along a set of power lines that ran north and south through the middle of a field when the airplane contacted another set of power lines that ran east and west along the north edge of the field. The top 10 inches of the vertical stabilizer and the rudder separated from the airplane. The pilot reported that when the rudder separated, the rudder pedals were "pulled tight against the hopper." He stated that he could no longer reach the rudder pedals with his feet and he was not able to free them up. He reported that he had no rudder control and "some" aileron control. The pilot reported the airplane was heading toward the airport, so he continued in that direction at tree top height. He reported he contacted the Unicom at the airport, informed them of what happened and requested that they call the fire department and an ambulance. The pilot reported that about one-half mile from the airport, he pulled the power back to 1,000 pounds of torque and the airplane began to bank to the right. He reported that he was unable to control the bank with the ailerons. According to the pilot, the airplane then banked to the left, the nose pitched up, and the airplane "rolled over on its back." He reported the nose then dropped and the airplane descended to impact with the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCherokee Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-402A
Tail NumberN9032K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVance J Bakke
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6-15 · Reciprocating · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time15:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data