Summary
On October 17, 2012, a Air Tractor INC AT-502B (N598LA) was involved in an incident near Portales, NM. 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 power lines during an aerial application flight.
The commercial pilot was maneuvering the airplane above a crop field during an aerial application flight. Upon entering the field, the pilot misjudged the distance and struck a power line. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN13CA019. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N598LA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The commercial pilot was maneuvering the airplane above a crop field during an aerial application flight. Upon entering the field, the pilot misjudged the distance and struck a power line. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, impacted terrain, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13CA019