# NTSB FTW00LA246: Air Tractor AT-502B, N61389, Eudora, AR, August 28, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 28, 2000, 10:51 local (15:51 UTC)
- Place: Eudora, AR
- Coordinates: 33.110466, -91.259635 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1105&lon=-91.2596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 19, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 50110
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW00LA246
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/50110/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA246

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot was applying chemical to a cotton field.  While maneuvering, the pilot flew the airplane under high power lines.  As the airplane flew under the power lines, the vertical stabilizer struck a wire, separating the rudder and stabilizer from the airplane.  The airplane crossed over a road, continued up and over a set of low power lines, and stuck the top of trees.  The airplane continued about 150 yards before the airplane's left wing struck the ground.  The airplane spun around and came to rest upright.

## Factual narrative

On August 28, 2000, at 1051 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B agricultural airplane, N61389, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain following an in-flight collision with wires near Eudora, Arkansas.  The airplane was registered to and operated by Hensley Flying Service LLC of Eudora, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot, sole occupant, was seriously 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 boll weevil eradication flight originated from the Hensley Flying Service airstrip at 0905.

The pilot was applying Fyfnnon to a cotton field.  While maneuvering to the east, the pilot flew the airplane under high power lines.  As the airplane flew under the power lines, the vertical stabilizer struck a wire, separating the rudder and stabilizer from the airplane.  The airplane crossed over Highway 65 and continued up and over a set of low power lines.  The airplane traveled about 50 yards and stuck the top of trees.  The airplane continued about 150 yards before the airplane's left wing struck the ground.  The airplane spun around and came to rest upright facing to the northeast.

Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector who traveled to the accident site, revealed that the left wing was bent aft, the fuselage was twisted and torn, and the main landing gear was separated from the airplane.  The propeller was separated from the engine, and the engine case was split in half.  The vertical stabilizer and rudder were found near the high power lines.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N61389](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61389-2001-02-26), registration cancelled 2001-02-26, S/N 502B-0312 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-502B
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502b) (registry code 0390307) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0312
- Airframe hours: 2765
- Engines: P&W PT6-34AG 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Hensley Flying Service LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 7,515 total, 1,650 in this make and model, 7,515 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 203 °F

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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