On 1 Jun 2016, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 operated by FARM AIR Flying Service INC was involved in an aviation accident near Nicolaus, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's insufficient clearance from a power line during aerial application operations, which resulted in a power line strike, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, loss of directional control, and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An agricultural aircraft struck a power line while flying under it, causing vibration and an off-airport landing. During the landing roll on rough terrain, the pilot lost directional control, resulting in the left wing impacting the ground and substantial damage.
Accident Details
The pilot was conducting aerial application operations. While flying under power lines, the airplane's propeller struck a power line. Following the strike, the airplane experienced excessive vibration. The pilot subsequently performed an off-airport landing in a farm field.
Post-Impact Sequence
During the landing roll on the rough terrain, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane veered sharply to the right, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operationAltitude — Not attained/maintained