N843WA

Substantial
None

Air Tractor AT 502S/N: 502-0011

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA078
Location
Americus, GA
Event ID
20181128X42306
Coordinates
32.039722, -84.294166
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 failure to see and avoid a power line during an agricultural application flight.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N843WA
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
502-0011
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1988
Model / ICAO
AT 502AT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SOUTHER FIELD AVIATION INC
Address
223 FRANKIE WILLIAMS RD
Status
Deregistered
City
AMERICUS
State / Zip Code
GA 31709-8127
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he surveyed a field before spraying and observed multiple power line wires and poles. While spraying the field, after a turn, about 20 ft above ground, he pulled up and immediately felt "a massive jerk" and saw a "flash" (airplane nose struck a power line wire). The pilot entered a descending turn to an open field adjacent to the spray field. He pushed the power lever forward but did not get a response. During the forced landing, the right wing struck a tree, the airplane rotated 180°, and the left wing and empennage impacted the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA19CA078