Casualties unknown

1998-07-08: Air Tractor AT-301 (N2325G) — Plainview, TX

Plainview, TX, US

On July 8, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N2325G) was involved in an aviation accident near Plainview, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the aerial application flight. A factor was the transmission wire. 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 aircraft's right wingtip contacted a wire while departing a field near Mart, Texas. The pilot continued to Horan Airport in Plainview, Texas, and landed without further incident.

Accident Overview

A wire strike occurred during an aerial application flight near Mart, Texas. The pilot reported that while making the final pass in a field he was spraying, he adjusted the airplane's flight path to remain clear of a nearby center pivot sprinkler. After clearing the sprinkler, the airplane departed the field at the western edge, where the pilot noticed wires. The right wing tip of the airplane contacted the lower wire. The aircraft continued flying, and the pilot flew it to Horan Airport in Plainview, Texas, where it landed without further incident.

Flight Details

The pilot stated that the incident took place during the final spraying pass of the field. The airplane was flown adjacent to a center pivot sprinkler system, and the pilot maneuvered to avoid the sprinkler. Upon departure from the field, wires were observed. The contact was made with the lower wire by the right wing tip.

Post-Strike Actions

After the wire strike, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and proceeded to Horan Airport. The landing was completed without any further issues.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10575. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.