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July 26, 2017 · Air Tractor AT 502B B · N421CA

Harrold, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Harrold, SD
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 502B B (2009)
Tail Number
N421CA
Operator
Custom Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN17CA294

The pilot of an agricultural airplane reported that he planned to apply an herbicide and test the spray system at maximum pressure at a specified airspeed. He added that a ground tractor was also in the field applying the same chemical. During the flight, he saw the tractor and passed over it between about 50 and 100 ft above ground level (agl). While spraying at 10 ft agl, he noted pressure, output, airspeed, and ground speed. At the end of the field, he climbed and made a left, 180° turn for another pass. The pilot reported that he "lost focus" outside of the airplane while looking at the spray results, and when he noticed the tractor, it was too late; the airplane's wheel collided with the tractor. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The tractor driver reported that he heard someone call him on the radio and that he answered the pilot on the radio and saw the airplane coming "directly at him, very low." The tractor driver heard and felt the impact and was knocked from his seat by the collision. The tractor driver then called his supervisor for help. The tractor driver added that his supervisor and another ground sprayer had been "buzzed" by the pilot before.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot of an agricultural airplane reported that he planned to apply a herbicide and test the spray system at maximum pressure at a specified airspeed. He added that a ground tractor was also in the field applying the same chemical. During the flight, he saw the tractor and passed over it at 50 to 100 ft. While spraying at 10 ft agl, he noted pressure, output, airspeed, and ground speed. At the end of the field, he climbed and made a left 180-degree turn for another pass. The pilot reported that he "lost focus" outside of the airplane, while looking at the spray results and when he noticed the tractor, it was too late; the airplane's wheel collided with the tractor. Examination of the airplane found substantial damage to the fuselage. The driver of the tractor reported that he heard someone call him on the radio, he answered the pilot on the radio and saw the airplane coming "directly at him, very low." The tractor operator heard and felt the impact and was knocked from his seat by the collision. The tractor driver then called his supervisor for help. The tractor driver added that his supervisor and another ground sprayer had been "buzzed" by the pilot before.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 502B B
Tail NumberN421CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCustom Air
Operating RulePart 137
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 10 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data