Air Tractor AT802 N519EP

Summary

On 6 September 2016 at about 15:30 local time, a Air Tractor AT802 registered N519EP, operated by Empty Pockets Flying Service, was involved in an accident near Wilson, Arkansas, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 September 2016 at 15:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Wilson, Arkansas, United States

Coordinates

33.4192, -93.0605

Aircraft

Air Tractor AT802

Registration

N519EP

Category

Airplane

Year built

2015

Engines

1

Operator

Empty Pockets Flying Service

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wilson → Wilson

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA16CA512

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to adequately survey the area of operation and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was on his sixth agricultural application pass of the third field for the day. He reported that, during that pass, the airplane's tail struck "unseen powerlines." He recalled that the power lines crossed the field at an angle and that the power line poles were hidden by trees on both sides of the field. The pilot flew to a nearby airport and landed without further incident. The vertical stabilizer and the rudder sustained substantial damage. Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.19 (e) states, in part, Knowledge and skill tests. The applicant must show, or have the person who is designated as the chief supervisor of agricultural aircraft operations for him show, that he has satisfactory knowledge and skill regarding agricultural aircraft operations, as described in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section. (1)(i) Steps to be taken before starting operations, including survey of the area to be worked. … (1)(vi) Safe flight and application procedures. During an interview with the operator, the investigator-in-charge (IIC) asked if documented training was provided to pilots regarding the location of wire hazards for the area of operation, and the operator responded that it did not provide this information to its pilots. At the request of the IIC, the operator agreed to provide documented, local area power line and obstacle avoidance training to pilots who perform application operations. The operator has completed the recommended training. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.