DFW05CA079

The pilot of the agricultural airplane collided with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. One of the power lines took out a large portion of the veritcal stabilizer and the rudder. Under minimal control, the 5,090-hour pilot managed to execute a forced landing to an adjacent open field.

On March 2, 2005, approximately 1100 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-402 single-engine tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N15182, registered to a private individual and operated by Moss Flying Service, of Tillar, Arkansas, was substantially damaged when it struck a power line during an aerial application flight near Dumas, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight originated from a private airstrip near Tillar, Arkansas, at time unknown.

The 5,090-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that while performing a "trim pass" during an aerial application flight on the eastern portion of a cultivated field, he observed a set of power lines in the flight path of the airplane. In order to avoid colliding with the power lines, the pilot elected to fly underneath the power lines. While maneuvering under the power lines, the tail of the airplane struck one of the power lines. The pilot added that after the collision with the power lines, he "lost directional control" of the airplane; however, he was able to execute a forced landing in an adjacent open field.

Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the top three-quarters of the vertical stabilizer and rudder were sheered-off and the left main landing gear was folded upward.