On 17 Jun 2019, an Air Tractor AT402 A operated by Crop-Serv Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Liberal, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a windmill tower while maneuvering at low altitude. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an agricultural application flight, the pilot focused on a shed and electrical lines, failing to see a galvanized windmill tower against the gray sky. The right wing struck the tower, and the aircraft descended into the ground.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during an agricultural application flight. The pilot reported that his attention was directed toward a shed and electrical lines while maneuvering at low altitude to the north. The airplane's right wing collided with a galvanized windmill tower that the pilot had not seen, as the tower blended into the gray sky.
Pilot's Account
After the collision, the pilot attempted to regain control of the airplane, but it descended and subsequently collided with the ground. The pilot stated that the tower was not visible against the overcast background.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.