N319BM

Substantial
Minor

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 802S/N: 802A-0160

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 15, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA285
Location
Dumas, TX
Event ID
20170515X44153
Coordinates
35.909168, -102.080276
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while maneuvering at a low altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N319BM
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
802A-0160
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
AT 802AT8T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
REGISTRATION PENDING
Address
9370 CARMICHAEL DR
Status
Deregistered
City
LA MESA
State / Zip Code
CA 91941-5630
Country
United States

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