On 2 Jul 2017, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 B operated by COASTAL FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Edna, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a tower during an agricultural application flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
The pilot of an aerial application airplane reported focusing on electrical poles while maneuvering at low altitude. After crossing the top wire, he saw a 30-ft tower just left of the nose, which the airplane struck before impacting the ground, resulting in substantial empennage damage.
Accident Summary
During an aerial application flight, the pilot was maneuvering at low altitude over a field. He reported that his attention was focused on the tops of electrical poles that ran parallel to the field. The aircraft passed between two poles. The pilot then concentrated on the pole to the right of the airplane. After clearing the top wire, he shifted his focus forward and observed a 30-foot tower positioned just to the left of the airplane's nose. The aircraft subsequently collided with the tower and then impacted the ground.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage of the airplane. No other damage items were specified.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to the accident that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot's account focused on his visual attention during the low-altitude maneuvering.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationAltitude — Not attained/maintained