Accident Overview
On August 8, 2011, at approximately 0530 mountain standard time, an Air Tractor AT-602, registration N5123L, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a tower while maneuvering near Willcox, Arizona. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The operator, M and J Bailey, Inc., of Dalhart, Texas, was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application.
Meteorological and Flight Details
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the early morning flight, which had originated about 15 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed. The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he was performing a calibration pass on his target field at an altitude of about 60 feet above ground level when the airplane struck an unmarked 80-foot-tall tower. Following the impact, the airplane's engine caught fire and lost power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck a fence, which damaged the left wing.
Additional Information
According to the pilot, the tower had recently been installed without his knowledge.