On 2 Oct 2013, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 402B B operated by TRI ROTOR SPRAY AND CHEMICAL INC was involved in an aviation accident near Wellton, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became distracted while reading a map and failed to maintain altitude during a low-altitude turn in dark night conditions, resulting in collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While maneuvering at low altitude in dark night conditions, a pilot reading a map failed to notice the airplane descending, resulting in a collision with terrain and substantial damage.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during a low-altitude agricultural spraying operation at night. The pilot reported that he was reading a map in an effort to identify the correct field to spray while maneuvering in a turn. Due to the dark night conditions and his focus on the map, the pilot did not realize the airplane was descending. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot's attention was diverted from flying the aircraft while he was reading the map. This distraction, combined with the low altitude and lack of visual references in dark night conditions, led to an unrecognized descent and impact with terrain.
Probable cause
The pilot became distracted while reading a map and failed to maintain altitude during a low-altitude turn in dark night conditions, resulting in collision with terrain.