CEN15LA222

The operator reported that the pilot was applying dry, granular fertilizer to a rice field. During the last application pass, the airplane's left wing struck trees. The airplane then struck several additional trees, traveled about 550 ft, and impacted terrain. A postimpact fire ensued and subsequently consumed a majority of the airplane. Although the wreckage was significantly fragmented and damaged by fire, no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine were noted that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the accident site and wreckage revealed tree strikes and left wing damage that were consistent with the pilot's failing to maintain clearance from the trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.

The accident airplane was a 2009 Air Tractor AT-502B, serial number 502B-2668. The airplane was powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-34AG turboprop engine, rated at 750 horsepower, and equipped for agricultural operations. The airplane was issued a restricted category special airworthiness certificate on April 16, 2009. According to the operator, the airplane underwent its most recent 100-hour inspection April 18, 2014, and the airframe and engine had accumulated 3,083 total hours. The engine had accumulated 200 hours since major overhaul. On May 5, 2015, at 1241 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B single-engine airplane, N4221G, impacted trees and terrain while maneuvering near Basile, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed. The airplane was registered to and operated by Lejeune Aerial Applications, LLC, Basile, Louisiana, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed a private airstrip about 1220. According to local authorities and the operator, the pilot was applying dry granular fertilizer to a rice field. During the last application pass (west to east direction) of the field, the airplane contacted trees with the left wing. The airplane contacted several additional trees, traveled approximately 550 feet, and impacted terrain. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed a majority of the airplane. An autopsy report was performed on the pilot by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner's Office and Forensic Facility, Lake Charles, Louisiana. The listed cause of death was multiple injuries. The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on the pilot. The tests were negative for all screened drugs and alcohol. At 1255, the St. Landry Parish Airport - Ahart Field, Opelousas, Louisiana, automated weather observing system reported the wind from 130 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 4,200 and 5,000 feet, temperature 28 degrees Celsius, dew point 18 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of Mercury. The pilot, age 32, held a commercial pilot certificate, with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. The pilot's most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate was issued on January 26, 2015, with no limitations or restrictions. According to the operator, the pilot had accumulated approximately 1,000 total flight hours, and 500 hours in the accident airplane make and model. Examination of the accident site by FAA inspectors and a representative of Air Tractor revealed portions of the left wing were located near trees adjacent to the rice field. The main wreckage came to rest on its left side adjacent to trees and consisted of the fuselage, wings, empennage,and engine. A postaccident fire consumed a majority of the fuselage, left wing, and inboard section of the right wing. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage and inboard sections were consumed by fire. The wingtip was located in the debris field near the initial ground impact scar. The aileron remained attached to the wing. Left wingtip sections and the left aileron boost tab were located near the initial tree strikes adjacent to the rice field. The left wing remained partially attached to the fuselage and was consumed by fire. The empennage remained attached to the aft fuselage. The left and right horizontal stabilizers were partially consumed by fire. The right elevator remained attached to the right horizontal stabilizer, and the left elevator was separated from the left horizontal stabilizer. The left elevator was fragmented and a majority of the left elevator was located in the debris field approximately 80 feet from the main wreckage. The vertical stabilizer remained attached and displayed thermal damage. The rudder remained attached to the vertical stabilizer. Flight control continuity was partially established to all flight control surfaces. Several of the flight control system components were destroyed by thermal and impact damage. The flap actuator was found in the retracted position. The airplane was equipped with AmSafe airbags mounted in the shoulder harnesses. Due to the fire, the investigation could not determine if the airbags inflated during the accident. The right main landing gear was structurally undamaged and the tire displayed thermal damage. The left main landing gear was bent inboard. The engine displayed thermal damage and remained partially attached to the airframe engine mount structure. The three propeller blades were bent, twisted, and remained attached to the propeller hub. A portion of one blade tip was separated and located in the debris field near the ground impact scars.