No fatalities

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B accident at Alta, IA, 29 Jul 2023

Alta, IA, United States

On July 29, 2023, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B operated by BARTS FLYING SERVICE INC was involved in an aviation accident near Alta, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in a loss of lift, and subsequent collision with powerlines. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in a loss of lift, and subsequent collision with powerlines.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Attain/maintain not possiblePilotAbility to respond/compensateEffect on equipmentContributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 2023 AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B accident near Alta, IA?

The airplane’s encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in a loss of lift, and subsequent collision with powerlines.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jul 2023 AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 2023 involved an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402B, operated by BARTS FLYING SERVICE INC, at Alta, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane’s encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in a loss of lift, and subsequent collision with powerlines.