Summary
On January 17, 2017, a Air Tractor INC AT 802 (N20361) was involved in an incident near Vernon, UT. 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 mountainous terrain.
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he attempted to transition a mountain ridge after he had completed an aerial application. He added that he began to climb to a safe altitude in rising terrain, but realized that it was going to be "close to clear" the mountain top. He attempted to turn to the left, but noted that the terrain would not allow him to do so. He continued straight and impacted the mountain top about ten feet from the crest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA117. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N20361.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he attempted to transition a mountain ridge after he had completed an aerial application. He added that he began to climb to a safe altitude in rising terrain, but realized that it was going to be "close to clear" the mountain top. He attempted to turn to the left, but noted that the terrain would not allow him to do so. He continued straight and impacted the mountain top about ten feet from the crest.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# GAA17CA117