Summary
On May 15, 2017, a Air Tractor INC AT 802 (N319BM) was involved in an accident near Dumas, TX. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while maneuvering at a low altitude.
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude during an aerial application flight, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and the left wing descended striking the "wheat" crop. Subsequently, the airplane was "sucked" into the wheat, the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 160° at 13 knots.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA285. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N319BM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while maneuvering at a low altitude during an aerial application flight, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and the left wing descended striking the "wheat" crop. Subsequently, the airplane was "sucked" into the wheat, the airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system about 4 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported the wind at 160° at 13 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA285