On 18 Oct 2016, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 B operated by Three Rivers Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Paragould, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid electrical wires during low-altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a wire strike. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aerial application pilot reported that during a left turn, the airplane struck electrical wires and made a forced landing in a pond, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot noted stress and distraction.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while maneuvering in a left turn during an aerial application flight, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and began to shake. In response, the pilot momentarily leveled the wings before continuing the turn. The pilot further stated that he was looking at the field instead of looking in the direction of the turn. When the airplane was between 30 and 50 feet above the ground, he looked up and saw electrical wires. The right wing tip struck the wires, after which the airplane made a forced landing in a nearby pond.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the day of the event, he was under stress and his head was "in another place." He also stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.