Accident Overview
On July 7, 2016, at approximately 0650 central daylight time, an Air Tractor Inc AT-602, registration N967JB, collided with power lines and terrain during an aerial application operation. The accident occurred about 4 miles northeast of Kennett, Missouri. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces, and the commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight and was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Flight Details
The aircraft was registered to and operated by Bootheel Air Services LLC. It had departed from Hornersville Memorial Airport (37M) in Hornersville, Missouri, at about 0541. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, a chemical loader reported that the airplane was loaded with 375 gallons of liquid chemical applicant intended for a 75-acre corn crop field adjacent to a bean field. There were no witnesses to the accident.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The accident site was located near electrical lines oriented east/west in the middle of the corn field being sprayed. Two of the electrical lines were severed, and a third was damaged near the east edge of the field. A section of the airplane's spray boom was bent around and hanging from the damaged third line. A ground scar consistent with the airplane's impact with terrain was found approximately 1,000 feet from the severed/damaged lines, located in the adjacent bean field. About 50 feet from the lines, sections of the right wing and aileron were on the ground. The ground scar extended northward for about 200 feet in the bean field. Several propeller strikes were observed in the ground near the beginning of the wreckage path.
Wreckage Examination
The propeller blades, propeller hub, engine, and landing gear were found separated from the airplane. The fuselage, remaining wing, and empennage were located near the end of the wreckage path. The cockpit and tail section had an approximate tail-to-nose heading oriented southward. Examination confirmed flight control continuity. The engine turbine blades displayed signatures consistent with engine power. Fuel quantity could not be verified, but a fuel spill was noted underneath the wing section. No evidence of remaining spray chemical solution was found at the scene. The shoulder harness air bag restraint system was deployed.
Pilot Information
The 48-year-old pilot had reported multiple orthopedic surgeries and use of medication for high cholesterol to the FAA. At the time of his last aviation medical examination, diabetes was diagnosed and treatment with metformin initiated. The aviation medical examiner questioned records from a recent hospitalization stating the pilot had anxiety/depression, but was told this was not a current diagnosis and that he had not been on medication in years. According to the autopsy, the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was accident. No significant natural disease was identified.
Toxicology Findings
Toxicology testing identified acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, citalopram and its metabolite n-desmethylcitalopram, dextromethorphan and its metabolite dextrorphan in liver. Acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine were found in cavity blood; the rest were found in muscle. Acetaminophen was also identified in urine. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and fever reducer available over the counter. Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine available over the counter in many cold, cough, and allergy preparations, with warnings about impairing mental and/or physical ability for hazardous tasks. Citalopram is a prescription antidepressant (Celexa), with warnings that patients should be cautious about operating hazardous machinery until certain of its effects. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant; at usual dosing it is not considered impairing.