N5091N

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502S/N: 502B-0475

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA303
Location
Nicolaus, CA
Event ID
20160613X21938
Coordinates
38.911109, -121.559448
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 insufficient clearance from a power line during aerial application operations, which resulted in a power line strike, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
502B-0475
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Year Built
1997
Model / ICAO
AT 502AT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
AT-502B

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FARM AIR FLYING SERVICE LLC
Address
4425 W RIEGO RD
City
SACRAMENTO
State / Zip Code
CA 95836-9202
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while performing aerial application operations and flying under power lines, the airplane propeller struck a power line. Subsequently, the airplane vibrated excessively and the pilot performed an off-airport landing at a farm field.

The pilot further reported that during the landing roll, he could not maintain directional control of the airplane on the rough terrain; the airplane veered sharply to the right and the left wing impacted the ground.

The left wing sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA303