Summary
On June 09, 2019, a Air Tractor AT 602 (N2602M) was involved in an incident near La Ward, TX. 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 a wire during an aerial application flight in sun glare conditions.
The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, about 15 to 40 ft. agl and traveling westward with the sun in his eyes, the airplane's rudder struck a wire and separated. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The pilot added that he thought the airplane already cleared the wire when the collision occurred.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA354. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2602M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an aerial application flight in sun glare conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, about 15 to 40 ft. agl and traveling westward with the sun in his eyes, the airplane's rudder struck a wire and separated. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The pilot added that he thought the airplane already cleared the wire when the collision occurred.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
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# GAA19CA354