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NTSB Report

March 6, 2009 · Air Tractor AT-502B · N648LA

Harrold, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 6, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Harrold, SD
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502B
Tail Number
N648LA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA194

The pilot stated that he had been established in cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level for the approximately 45-minute cross-country flight. As he neared the destination airport, he descended to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) in order to view some winter wheat fields for the upcoming agricultural spraying season. As he leveled off, he observed increasing fog along his route of flight. He began a 180-degree turn to reverse course and intended to divert to an intermediate airport when the airplane impacted a high-tension power line. The airplane severed one of the lines and subsequently impacted an adjacent farm field. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the collision with the power line. The pilot reported weather conditions at the time of the accident as an obscured ceiling about 800 feet agl, with 2 miles visibility in fog. Winds were light and variable, and there was no precipitation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during his turn to reverse course due to weather. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility at the time of the accident.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he had been established in cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level for the approximate 45-minute cross-country flight. As he neared the destination airport, he descended to about 100 feet above ground level (agl) in order to view some winter wheat fields for the upcoming agricultural spraying season. As he leveled off, he observed increasing fog along his route of flight. He began a 180-degree turn to reverse course and intended to divert to an intermediate airport when the airplane impacted a high-tension power line. The airplane severed one of the lines and subsequently impacted an adjacent farm field. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions associated with the airplane prior to the collision with the power line. The pilot reported weather conditions at the time of the accident as an obscured ceiling about 800 feet agl, with 2 miles visibility in fog. Winds were light and variable, and there was no precipitation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 CST
Nearest AirportHARROLD (20nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-502B
Tail NumberN648LA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 11 kt
Visibility1.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 28 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time16:48
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data