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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 3, 2004 · Air Tractor AT-402A · N9089L

Hillsboro, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hillsboro, AL
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-402A
Tail Number
N9089L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL04CA146

According to the pilot, the airplane collided with the top wire of a transmission tower that "was not visible to [him]." He stated that the airplane spun around 180 degrees to the left, the airplane "was out of control," collided with the ground, and came to rest inverted in a nearby field. Examination of the wreckage site revealed the wreckage debris path extended across the field a distance of 75 feet leading up to the main wreckage site. The tower arm of the transmission tower, that was estimated to be 100 feet high, was bent, and the upper transmission wire was separated. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine assembly separated from the engine mounts. The propeller hub was separated from the crankshaft. The engine cowling and fuselage were crushed aft to the pilot compartment. The right wingtip was separated. The leading edge of the right wing was crushed beginning about midspan outboard to the end of the wing. The left wing was partially separated at the root and completely separated approximately midspan. The left horizontal stabilizer leading edge was crushed aft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance, which resulted in collision with transmission wires.

Full Narrative

On July 2, 2004, at 2005 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-402-A agricultural airplane, N9089L, registered to and operated by a private individual, collided with a transmission wire while surveying a field in Hillsboro, Alabama. The local flight was conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The pilot received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated at Lawrence County Airport, Courtland, Alabama, on July 2, 2004 at 1930. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to survey a field he was to spray the following morning. The pilot stated that upon over-flying the field, the airplane collided with the top wire of a transmission tower that "was not visible to [him]." He stated that the airplane spun around 180 degrees to the left, the airplane "was out of control," collided with the ground, and came to rest inverted in a nearby field. Examination of the wreckage site revealed the wreckage debris path extended across the field a distance of 75 feet leading up to the main wreckage site. The tower arm of the transmission tower, that was estimated to be 100 feet high, was bent, and the upper transmission wire was separated. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine assembly separated from the engine mounts, and the propeller hub was separated from the crankshaft. The engine cowling and fuselage were crushed aft to the pilot compartment. The right wingtip was separated, and the leading edge of the right wing was crushed beginning about midspan outboard to the end of the wing. The left wing was partially separated at the root and completely separated approximately midspan. The left horizontal stabilizer leading edge was crushed aft. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:05 CDT
Nearest AirportLawrence County Airport (8nm W)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-402A
Tail NumberN9089L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A · Turboprop · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3600 ft
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data