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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 5, 2016 · Air Tractor AT 400 · N31627

Hondo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hondo, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 400 (1983)
Tail Number
N31627
Operator
Rustys Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA462

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude over a field during an agricultural application flight, the airplane struck an antenna atop a tower adjacent to the field, and the antenna wrapped around the right wing and landing gear. The pilot added that he attempted an off-airport landing, but the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. In an e-mail, the tower owner's lawyer reported that the tower was used for internet and two-way communications. He added that the tower was under 200 ft above ground level and "with the antenna attached, the tower was in the mid to upper 100 [foot] range." The lawyer reported that the tower was marked and lit appropriately and was not registered due its height.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an antenna atop a tower while maneuvering at a low altitude and the airplane’s subsequent impact with terrain during an attempted off-airport landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while maneuvering at low altitude over a field during an aerial application flight, the airplane struck an antenna atop a tower adjacent to the field, and the antenna wrapped around the right wing and landing gear. The pilot further reported that he attempted an off-airport landing, but the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. In an email with the tower owner's lawyer, he reported that the tower was used for internet and two way communications. He further reported that the tower was under 200 feet above ground level and "with the antenna attached, the tower was in the mid to upper 100 [foot] range." The lawyer reported that the tower was marked and lit appropriately and was not registered, due to the tower height.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 400
Tail NumberN31627
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRustys Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PP6-27 · Turboprop · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2700 ft
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data