Summary
On August 10, 2009, a Air Tractor INC AT-301 (N5018S) was involved in an accident near Dewitt, IL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree during the aerial application maneuver.
The pilot reported that he made his first aerial application run without any problems. He said that during his second run he lost lift during a turn. He went to full power and tried to clear some trees. The left wing caught the top of a tree and the airplane sustained substantial damage on subsequent impact with terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA514. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5018S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree during the aerial application maneuver.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he made his first aerial application run without any problems. He said that during his second run he lost lift during a turn. He went to full power and tried to clear some trees. The left wing caught the top of a tree and the airplane sustained substantial damage on subsequent impact with terrain. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA514