# NTSB MIA08CA137: Air Tractor AT-402B, N402BT, Muscle Shoals, AL, June 12, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 12, 2008, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC) - Place: Muscle Shoals, AL - Coordinates: 34.745277, -87.610275 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7453&lon=-87.6103&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 28, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 68217 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA08CA137 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68217/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08CA137 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from utility wires during low altitude maneuvers. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: wire](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-402B, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md?model=0390208), [All aircraft, 588 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022032/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-402B, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=0390208), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Low altitude operation/event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220) (defining event); cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-402B, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?model=0390208), [All aircraft, 780 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated that he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N402BT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N402BT-2025-07-22), registration cancelled 2025-07-22, S/N 402B-1166, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR INC 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: 402B-1166 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney PT6A 680 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Buster Thorton - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: NONE, Rogersville, AL - Destination: NONE - Airport: MSL, Northwest Alabama Regional ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private, flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2006; seat: center; flight hours: 17,000 total, 525 in this make and model, 16,900 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 150° at 9 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,200 ft broken - Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: MSL ## 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 20080612839389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080612839389A), Jun 12, 2008: Airtrc AT402B, Muscle Shoals, AL, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot stated he was working a corn field flying east and west unde a power line and the last pass he wasn't low enough and the line cut the top of… 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.