On June 8, 2004, an Air Tractor AT-502 (registration N9151C) was involved in an aviation accident near Joiner, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine agricultural airplane impacted terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight for boll weevil eradication. Flight data indicated spraying west of the site; no eyewitnesses or pre-impact anomalies were found.
Accident Overview
A single-engine agricultural airplane impacted terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. The operator reported that the pilot had been spraying various fields throughout the morning as part of a boll weevil eradication program.
Flight Data
A review of the SATLOC GPS flight data card installed in the airplane revealed that the aircraft had been spraying approximately two miles west of the accident site. Subsequently, the airplane maneuvered in the general area for several minutes. The flight data record ended approximately two miles north of the accident site.
Investigation
No eyewitnesses were present at the time of the accident. Investigators found no pre-impact mechanical or structural anomalies at the accident site. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the impact.