N5044Y

Substantial
None

Air Tractor AT402S/N: 402A-1036

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 17, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA352
Location
Liberal, KS
Event ID
20190617X50831
Coordinates
37.043056, -100.921112
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 windmill tower while maneuvering at low altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N5044Y
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
402A-1036
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1997
Model / ICAO
AT402F402
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
10043 HINTERLAND
Status
Deregistered
City
PELKIE
State / Zip Code
MI 49958
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during an agricultural application flight, his attention was focused, "on a shed and electrical lines." While maneuvering to the north at a low altitude, the airplane's right wing collided with an unseen galvanized windmill tower. He reported that the tower had blended into the gray sky. He attempted to control the airplane, but it descended and collided with the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no 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# GAA19CA352