N9071Z

Substantial
Serious

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 401BS/N: 401B-1131

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA427
Location
Cimarron, KS
Event ID
20140813X11339
Coordinates
37.939998, -100.309997
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the antenna guy wire during an aerial application pass.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
401B-1131
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
AT 401B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
AT-401B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
JOHNSON AIRSPRAY INC
Address
PO BOX 276
City
ARGYLE
State / Zip Code
MN 56713-0276
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was setting up to spray a corn field bordered by radio antennas. He had sprayed the field previously and planned to use the same pattern this time. However, on his initial pass, he focused on the inner guy wire anchor point, which caused him to inadvertently fly between the inner and outer guy wires. When he started to pull-up, the airplane struck the outer wire, separating 7 feet of the left wing from the airplane. The pilot was able to maintain control and ultimately returned to the departure airport. However, the airplane rolled to the left when he reduced power on landing and he lost control at that time. The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane prior to the accident; the engine and flight controls were performing normally before the impact with the guy wire.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA427