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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 18, 2016 · Air Tractor AT 502 B · N4218E

Paragould, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 18, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Paragould, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 502 B (2010)
Tail Number
N4218E
Operator
Dkd Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA030

The pilot reported that while in a left turn during an aerial application flight the airplane encountered a gust of wind and began to "shake", so he leveled the wings momentarily before continuing the turn. He further reported that he was looking at the field instead of where he was turning and when the airplane was 30-50 feet above the ground he looked up and saw electrical wires. The right wing tip struck the electrical wires and the airplane made a forced landing in a nearby pond. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings and fuselage. The pilot also reported that during the day of the accident he was under stress and his head was "in another place". The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to avoid electrical wires during low-altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a wire strike.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that while in a left turn during an aerial application flight the airplane encountered a gust of wind and began to "shake", so he leveled the wings momentarily before continuing the turn. He further reported that he was looking at the field instead of where he was turning and when the airplane was 30-50 feet above the ground he looked up and saw electrical wires. The right wing tip struck the electrical wires and the airplane made a forced landing in a nearby pond. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the both wings and fuselage. The pilot also reported that during the day of the accident he was under stress and his head was "in another place". The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 502 B
Tail NumberN4218E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDkd Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
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 30 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data