On March 21, 1995, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N5237S) was involved in an aviation accident near Meade, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility pole during aerial application maneuvers. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane involved in aerial application operations collided with a utility pole while maneuvering, resulting in a descent into the terrain.
What happened
During an aerial application mission, the pilot was executing maneuvers when the aircraft struck a utility pole. The impact occurred on the right wing of the plane. Following the collision, the airplane lost altitude and descended into the surrounding terrain.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the aircraft prior to the incident. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact mechanical anomalies or system failures that could have contributed to the accident. Additionally, there were no physical conditions affecting the pilot that would have played a role in the event.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the impact with a utility pole during low-level flight operations. The investigation confirmed that neither the aircraft's mechanical status nor the pilot's physical condition contributed to the crash.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility pole during aerial application maneuvers.