Summary
On April 17, 2011, a Air Tractor INC AT-802A (N42015) was involved in an accident near Horseshoe Lake, AR. 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 tower due to his inadequate visual lookout.
While spraying a field, the agricultural pilot reversed course for another pass. During the pass, the pilot misjudged his altitude and impacted a tower with the airplane's propeller and inboard section of the right wing. As the tower fell, it separated the airplane's right horizontal stabilizer and right elevator. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing to a cornfield. The airplane came to rest in an upright position in an irrigation canal. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA294. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N42015.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tower due to his inadequate visual lookout.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
While spraying a field, the agricultural pilot reversed course for another pass. During the pass, the pilot misjudged his altitude and impacted a tower with the airplane's propeller and inboard section of the right wing. As the tower fell, it separated the airplane's right horizontal stabilizer and right elevator. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing to a cornfield. The airplane came to rest in an upright position in an irrigation canal. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# CEN11CA294