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NTSB Report
June 20, 2021 · Air Tractor AT-502B · N8523Z
Edwardsburg, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Edwardsburg, MI
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502B (2005)
Tail Number
N8523Z
Operator
Lutes Flying Service
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA283
The pilot reported that while conducting an aerial application pass over a field, the airplane stuck trees and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that the field had rising terrain toward its southern edge and as the airplane approached the southern edge, the airplane was unable to climb above the rising terrain. It is likely the pilot failed to identify the rising terrain in time to clear the trees.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to identify rising terrain and to maintain terrain clearance from trees during an aerial application pass that resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while conducting an aerial application pass over a field, the airplane stuck trees and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that the field had rising terrain toward its southern edge and as the airplane approached the southern edge, the airplane was unable to climb above the rising terrain. It is likely the pilot failed to identify the rising terrain in time to clear the trees.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:37 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-502B
Tail NumberN8523Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLutes Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-34AG · Turboprop · 750
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time13:52
Weather SourceWFAC