N502PB

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502BS/N: 502B-0500

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 20, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA13CA033
Location
Newton, GA
Event ID
20121021X45449
Coordinates
31.327222, -84.544441
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering, which resulted in a hard forced landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
502B-0500
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Year Built
1998
Model / ICAO
AT-502BAT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
AT-502B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HERSHEY FLYING SERVICE INC
Address
PO BOX 148
City
DAVID CITY
State / Zip Code
NE 68632-0148
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he was performing an agricultural application over a cotton field bordered by a set of power lines. After making a pass over the field, the pilot ascended to fly over the power lines. While turning back towards the field, he “misjudged” the location of a static cable. The airplane’s main landing gear contacted the cable, and the airplane entered a rapid decent. The pilot initiated a forced landing in the cotton field, resulting in a hard landing and substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot report no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA13CA033