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NTSB Report
April 27, 2008 · Air Tractor AT-502 · N1519U
Waitsburg, WA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waitsburg, WA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502
Tail Number
N1519U
Operator
Beck S Spray Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08CA113
After arriving at the steep hillside field to which he was going to apply chemicals, the pilot maneuvered at low level over the field in an attempt to determine the best pattern to fly to accomplish the job. During that process he inadvertently allowed the airplane to get into a position from which it was not able to climb over the rising terrain. Although he dumped his chemical load and leveled the airplanes wings, the airplane impacted the terrain about 75 feet below the top of a ridge.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the rising terrain.
Full Narrative
After arriving at the steep hillside field to which he was going to apply chemicals, the pilot maneuvered at low level over the field in an attempt to determine the best pattern to fly to accomplish the job. During that process he inadvertently allowed himself to get in a position from which the airplane was not able to climb over the rising terrain. Although he dumped his chemical load and leveled the airplane's wings, the airplane impacted the terrain about 75 feet below the top of a ridge.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-502
Tail NumberN1519U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBeck S Spray Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney Canada · PT6-15 · Turboprop
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO