History of Flight
On July 11, 2024, about 1407 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N6177J) and an Air Tractor AT-802A (registration N795LA) were involved in a midair collision near Bonita, Louisiana. Both aircraft were conducting aerial application flights under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. N795LA had departed a company airstrip about 2 miles west of the collision location, intending to treat a field 12 miles east. N6177J departed a company airstrip about 3 miles northeast, with a planned application area 10 miles southwest.
According to the pilot of N795LA, he was flying east at about 200 ft above ground level when he observed N6177J approximately 100 ft to his left at the same altitude. He pulled back on the control stick to avoid a collision, felt an impact, and heard a bang. After the collision, he maintained control of his aircraft, circled the area, observed N6177J on the ground with a small fire, and then completed his aerial application flight before returning to land. The tailwheel landing gear was missing upon landing.
A witness at the company airstrip observed N795LA take off and fly east. He then saw N6177J transitioning from northeast to southwest, followed by the collision. One airplane descended and smoke appeared; the other continued. No radio communications were used by either pilot.
Flight data from the Satloc M3 Bantam guidance system on N6177J and Satloc G4 on N795LA were analyzed. N6177J departed at about 1352 and headed southwest; its data ended at 1353:32 near the wreckage. N795LA departed at about 1353 and flew east, continuing to its application area before landing at 1406. Just before the collision, N795LA was at 175 ft altitude with a groundspeed of 125 mph, in a gradual climb. N6177J's altitude varied between 100 and 150 ft after takeoff. The manufacturer noted that up to 30 seconds of data may be lost if the device loses power abruptly.
Aircraft Information
Both the AT-502B and AT-802A are low-wing designs. Visibility from the cockpit is most restricted in the forward-downward quadrants around the pilot's 9:00 to 9:30 and 2:30 to 3:00 positions. Upward visibility is restricted by cockpit window and door frames and the roof.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the sun position near Bonita, Louisiana, had an azimuth of 231.34° and an altitude of 73.64° above the horizon. The sky was clear.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Postaccident examination revealed N6177J was highly fragmented, with debris scattered in wooded terrain, on a gravel road, and in roadside ditches. The outboard 6-foot section of the left wing was separated and exhibited a semi-circular impact and black rubber transfer marks matching the size of N795LA's main landing gear tire. The left horizontal stabilizer was deflected upward and had a witness mark consistent with N795LA's tailwheel tire.
N795LA's spreader showed yellow paint transfer and shards of paint and fiberglass from N6177J's left wing tip. The tailwheel and fork were found about 750 ft east of the estimated collision location.
N6177J's three-blade propeller remained attached; all blades were bent aft, twisted, and had separated tips.
Both aircraft were equipped with standard navigation and strobe lights on wing tips and empennage. N6177J also had two pulsating LED lights on the forward fuselage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found.
Additional Information
On August 8, 2022, the Professional Aerial Applicator’s Support System published a safety bulletin on avoiding midair collisions, reminding pilots to “Ferry above five (hundred) and stay alive,” stating that ferrying above 500 ft agl increases the chance of avoiding collisions.
According to the AT-502B flight manual, with a full hopper at sea level and 30°C, the maximum climb rate is 567 ft per minute. The distance from departure to the accident was about 3 miles. The estimated altitude of both airplanes at collision was 175 ft agl.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy from the Morehouse Parish Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death of the AT-502B pilot as multiple blunt force injuries, with the manner of death accidental. The autopsy identified mild-to-moderate atherosclerotic disease. Toxicological analysis detected oxybutynin and its active metabolite desethyl oxybutynin, as well as diphenhydramine, in heart blood and urine. Oxybutynin is a prescription anticholinergic that may cause sedation; diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine that can cause cognitive and psychomotor slowing.