Casualties unknown

1997-08-12: Air Tractor AT-402 (N90PK) — Patterson, LA

Patterson, LA, US

On August 12, 1997, an Air Tractor AT-402 (registration N90PK) was involved in an aviation accident near Patterson, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural airplane, after passing under a sagging power line, contacted sugar cane with its main wheels and impacted the ground.

Incident Details

An agricultural airplane was conducting spray runs in a sugar cane field. The pilot had previously flown under the same power line without difficulty on earlier runs. However, during this particular run, as the pilot approached the field, he observed that the power line wire sagged lower than in other places. He considered climbing over the wire but was unsure whether the aircraft would clear it. Consequently, he elected to continue flying under the wire.

After passing under the wire, the airplane's main wheels contacted the sugar cane. The airplane then decelerated and subsequently impacted the ground.

Aircraft and Operator Information

The specific type, registration, and operator of the agricultural airplane are not provided in the source. The aircraft was engaged in agricultural spraying operations.

Sequence of Events

  • The pilot had successfully flown under the power line on previous spray runs.
  • On the accident run, the pilot noticed a lower sag in the power line wire.
  • The pilot weighed the options of climbing over or continuing under the wire and chose to go under.
  • After clearing the wire, the main wheels made contact with the sugar cane crop.
  • The airplane decelerated and struck the ground.

Additional Context

No information is available regarding injuries, fatalities, damage to the aircraft, or weather conditions. The time of day and any involvement of air traffic control are also unspecified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08625. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.