On August 15, 2000, an Air Tractor AT-502 (registration N9136U) operated by Angelina Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Deerpark, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of both pilots to maintain a visual outlook during landing approach. A contributing factor was both pilot's failure to follow recommended traffic patterns. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An Air Tractor and a Schweizer collided during approach for a north landing. The Schweizer impacted the Air Tractor's fuselage about 60 feet AGL. Both aircraft crashed and burned short of the runway.
Accident Sequence
The Air Tractor was on a straight-in approach for a north landing. The Schweizer had made a base leg from the west over high power lines and trees for a north landing. When the Air Tractor was about 60 feet above ground level (AGL), the Schweizer impacted the top of its fuselage, aft of the cockpit. Both airplanes then impacted the ground together about a quarter mile short of the runway. A fire destroyed both airplanes.
Aircraft and Airport Information
The operator reported that communication at the privately owned airport is by FM radio. The Air Tractor was not equipped with an FM radio. The accident occurred during approach for a north landing at an airport without an operating control tower.
Relevant Guidance
FAA Advisory Circular 90-66A, "Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns And Practices for Aeronautical Operations At Airports Without Operating Control Towers," states in paragraph 8c that "arriving aircraft should be at the appropriate traffic pattern altitude before entering the traffic pattern. Entry to the downwind leg should be at a 45 degree angle abeam the midpoint of the runway."