On June 7, 2004, an Air Tractor AT-402 (registration N182PB) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucker, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control while manuevering during aerial application which resulted in impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with 2,359 hours was maneuvering during aerial application when the airplane impacted terrain. Witnesses reported unusual flight behavior before the crash.
Accident Overview
A pilot with 2,359 total flight hours was maneuvering during an aerial application when the airplane impacted terrain. According to reports, the pilot was flying his 24th aerial application flight of the day and had just completed spraying a field. He then began "trimming" the field on a north-to-south pattern.
Witness Observations
Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site reported observing the airplane "go straight up" before "barrel rolling to the ground." Another witness located near the accident site observed the airplane as it flew over a tree line and stated that the airplane was "gaining altitude when it [the airplane] suddenly nose dived straight down to the ground in a slow spin."
Ground Impact Evidence
Ground scars were consistent with the airplane impacting the ground in a flat, slightly nose-down attitude.
What happened in the 7 Jun 2004 Air Tractor AT-402 accident near Tucker, AR?
A pilot with 2,359 hours was maneuvering during aerial application when the airplane impacted terrain. Witnesses reported unusual flight behavior before the crash.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jun 2004 involved an Air Tractor AT-402, registration N182PB, at Tucker, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control while manuevering during aerial application which resulted in impact with terrain.
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