On 2 Apr 2010, an AIR TRACTOR AT-301 operated by Aerial Farm Service was involved in an aviation accident near Malden, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane encountered a downdraft after an aerial application pass, causing the right wing to strike a tree. The pilot made an off-field landing where the gear collapsed, and a post-impact fire occurred on the right wing.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that, after completing an aerial application pass, the airplane encountered a downdraft while climbing away from the field. During the climb, the airplane's right wing impacted a tree. In response, the pilot performed an off-field landing instead of returning to the departure airport.
Landing and Damage
The main landing gear collapsed during the landing in a rough field. After the airplane came to rest, a post-impact fire ensued on the right wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.