On October 8, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N502S) operated by Superior Ag-air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ringling, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was the sun glare which impaired the pilot's vision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural airplane collided with power line poles and wires while applying chemicals to a wheat field. The pilot landed safely in a pasture after the collision damaged the aircraft.
Incident Overview
An agricultural airplane struck poles and wires of a power line while conducting a chemical application over a wheat field. The collision occurred during a westbound heading, and the pilot's vision was obstructed by the sun at the time of the accident.
Collision Details
The airplane was applying chemicals to the wheat field when it encountered the power line. Following the collision, the aircraft sustained damage to its rudder, left flap, left spray boom, and fuselage. Despite the damage, the pilot maintained control and proceeded to land.
Landing
The pilot successfully landed the airplane in a pasture located approximately one mile north of the field where the collision took place. No further information regarding injuries or aircraft registration was provided.