On 17 Oct 2012, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B operated by KING AG LEASING INC was involved in an aviation accident near Portales, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the distance to a power line. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an aerial application flight, a commercial pilot misjudged distance to a power line, struck it, lost control, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Accident Overview
A commercial pilot was conducting an aerial application flight, maneuvering an airplane above a crop field. While entering the field, the pilot misjudged the distance to a power line and struck it. The collision caused the pilot to lose control of the airplane, which subsequently impacted terrain and came to rest inverted.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane or engine. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
Conclusion
The accident occurred due to the pilot misjudging the distance to a power line during a low-level maneuver. No other factors were identified in the source.