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NTSB Report
May 19, 2018 · Air Tractor AT 402 A · N5128N
Nicolaus, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Nicolaus, CA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 402 A (1998)
Tail Number
N5128N
Operator
Arena Pesticide Management
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA309
The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he observed a power transmission wire with no obstructions underneath. He added that he turned around to enter the spray field under the wire, where he observed one wire sagging lower than the other wires. While flying under the power transmission wire, the airplane encountered turbulence, so he decided to lower the nose to prevent being pushed into the wire. However, the tail rose up and struck the power transmission wire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the wind was calm.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Incorrect use/operation - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, he observed a power transmission wire with no obstructions underneath. He added that he turned around to enter the spray field under the wire, where he observed one wire sagging lower than the other wires. While flying under the power transmission wire, he encountered turbulence, and decided to lower the nose to prevent being pushed into the wire. The tail went up and struck the power transmission wire. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported in the NTSB 6120.1 Form that the wind was calm.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT 402 A
Tail NumberN5128N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArena Pesticide Management
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PT6-11AG · Turboprop · 550
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 50
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time16:35
Weather SourceWFAC