On August 20, 1983, a Boeing E75 (registration N4756V) was involved in an aviation accident near Tracy, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's distraction by a leaking fill line while flying at low altitude, which resulted in the aircraft entering a bean field. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft entered a bean field while returning to the landing area after dispensing Orthene, due to pilot distraction from a cockpit leak.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of dispensing the pesticide Orthene. During the operation, a fill line began leaking into the cockpit. After completing the load and while returning to the landing area at an altitude of approximately 30 feet above ground level, the pilot reached below the seat to inspect the leak. While bending over to locate the source of the leak, the aircraft entered a bean field. The pilot stated that before looking back out of the aircraft, the right wing caught the bean vines and pulled the plane into the field.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot became distracted by a mechanical issue during a critical phase of flight. The distraction led to a loss of situational awareness and control. The right wing contacting the vegetation caused the aircraft to be pulled into the field. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft sustained damage.
Safety message
Pilots must maintain full attention on flight controls during low-altitude operations. Addressing mechanical issues should not compromise situational awareness.
Probable cause
The pilot's distraction by a leaking fill line while flying at low altitude, which resulted in the aircraft entering a bean field.