# NTSB FTW04LA108: Air Tractor AT-402B, N852JH, Goliad, TX, April 13, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 13, 2004, 11:22 local (16:22 UTC) - Place: Goliad, TX - Coordinates: 28.608333, -97.609443 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.6083&lon=-97.6094&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report September 1, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 59050 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW04LA108 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59050/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA108 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. ## 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) - Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The 9,000-hour commercial pilot was performing aerial applications when the airplane struck a power line. The airplane had previously flown under electrical power lines before striking the left wing tip section. The airplane impacted the ground approximately 150 yards from the power lines. Airplane debris was found under the power lines, including evidence of scuff markings on the electrical cables. There were no reported eyewitnesses to the accident, and no post-impact fire was reported. ## Factual narrative On April 13, 2004, approximately 1122 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-402B single-engine tailwheel-equipped agricultural airplane, N852JH, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed when it struck a power line and impacted the ground while performing aerial applications near Goliad, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, was fatally 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 Hunt's Aerial Application Service, a private airstrip, near Portland, Texas. An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported that the airplane had previously flown under electrical power lines before striking the left wing tip section. The airplane impacted the ground approximately 150 yards from the power lines. The inspector also found airplane debris under the power lines, including evidence of scuff markings on the electrical cables. There were no reported eyewitnesses to the accident, and no post-impact fire was reported. The local utility company later repaired the lines after experiencing a power interruption. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received from the operator or his representative. The airframe and engine logbooks were not made available to the NTSB during the investigation. The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, single-engine sea, instrument airplane, and rotorcraft. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on January 14, 2004, at which time, he reported to have accumulated approximately 9,000 total flight hours. An autopsy was performed on the pilot, on April 14, 2004, by the Travis County Forensic Center, Austin, Texas. The cause of death was determined as multiple traumatic injuries. Toxicological testing was conducted by the FAA Toxicology Accident Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Paroxetine, used as an antidepressant was detected in the pilot's urine and blood. However, a value concentration was unobtainable. According to an FAA Flight Surgeon, "Use of this medication would have precluded medical certification of this pilot had it been reported." Review of past applications revealed that this airman failed to report this medication to the FAA. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N852JH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N852JH-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 402B1146, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-402B - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-402B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-402b) (registry code 0390208) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52034, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 402131146 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG 500 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Jeffrey D. Hunt - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: NONE, Portland, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review January 28, 2004; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 9,000 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 11 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: CRP, 10 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20040413008329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040413008329A), Apr 13, 2004: Airtrc AT402B, Goliad, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) The pilot was performing aerial spraying and flew the aircraft under the power lines striking the left wing tip section. There was aircraft debris under… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.