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July 27, 2016 · Air Tractor AT 301 NO Series · N7311X

Bird Island, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bird Island, MN
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 301 NO Series (1986)
Tail Number
N7311X
Operator
Willmar Aerial Spraying
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA399

According to the pilot, during a low altitude agricultural aerial application flight he observed a glitch in the satellite navigation system. He reported that he attempted to identify the glitch and his attention was focused inside the cockpit. The pilot recalled that while focused inside the cockpit, he heard and felt the corn stalks that he was spraying, strike the airplane. He reported that he then looked outside the cockpit and "observed a slight rise in terrain", he increased throttle and pulled back on the stick. However, the airplane descended into the cornfield, yawed to the right, impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's diverted attention inside the cockpit and failure to maintain the airplane's altitude while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, during a low altitude agricultural aerial application flight he observed a glitch in the satellite navigation system. He reported that he attempted to identify the glitch and his attention was focused inside the cockpit. The pilot recalled that while focused inside the cockpit, he heard and felt the corn stalks that he was spraying, strike the airplane. He reported that he then looked outside the cockpit and "observed a slight rise in terrain", he increased throttle and pulled back on the stick. However, the airplane descended into the cornfield, yawed to the right, impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CDT
Nearest Airport6nm E
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 301 NO Series
Tail NumberN7311X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWillmar Aerial Spraying
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time12:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data