Summary
On June 12, 2008, a Air Tractor INC AT-402B (N402BT) was involved in an incident near Muscle Shoals, AL. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from utility wires during low altitude maneuvers.
The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA08CA137. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N402BT.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from utility wires during low altitude maneuvers.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA08CA137