# NTSB WPR11CA252: Air Tractor AT-502B, N6072X, Odessa, WA, June 7, 2011

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 7, 2011, 05:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Odessa, WA
- Coordinates: 47.340557, -118.675277 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3406&lon=-118.6753&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining events: [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Standing-engine(s) operating: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 19, 2011
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 79327
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR11CA252
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/79327/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=79327
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA252

## Probable cause (aircraft 2)

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the other aircraft.

## Probable cause (aircraft 1)

The pilot of the Air Tractor's failure to maintain clearance from the Aero Commander.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=0390307), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md)
- [Light condition: bright light](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036010): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502B, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036010/cases.md?model=0390307), [All aircraft, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036010/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Response/compensation (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=0390307), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aero Commander S2R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=0143022), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Air Tractor AT-502B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=0390307), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)
- [Standing-engine(s) operating: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aero Commander S2R, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=0143022), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)

## Analysis (aircraft 2)

The pilot of the Air Tractor airplane reported that after loading the airplane's chemical tanks he began taxing for departure. The pilot said he was watching his left wing to clear obstacles, but sun glare made looking to the right difficult. The pilot said he did not see an Aero Commander airplane that was stopped on the taxiway idling, waiting to come in to the loading area. The propeller of the Air Tractor struck the right wing of the Aero Commander, substantially damaging its right wing. The pilots of each airplane reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframes and engines of their respective aircraft that would have precluded normal flight.

## Analysis (aircraft 1)

The pilot of the Air Tractor airplane reported that after loading the airplane's chemical tanks he began taxiing for departure. The pilot said he was watching his left wing to clear obstacles, but sun glare made looking to the right difficult. The pilot said he did not see an Aero Commander airplane that was stopped on the taxiway, waiting to enter the loading area. The propeller of the Air Tractor struck the right wing of the Aero Commander, substantially damaging its right wing. The pilots of each airplane reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframes and engines of their respective aircraft that would have precluded normal flight.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 2)

The pilot reported that he was parked at the chemical loading dock, which housed the agricultural spray he was using for his dusting. There was a chemical tank and another airplane parked in front of him. After loading his tanks he proceeded to increase the throttle and turn to the right while watching his left wing to clear the obstacles. The Air Tractor pilot commented that he was not watching his right wing due to the sun. At that time, the pilot of the Aero Commander was stopped on the taxiway and idling, waiting to proceed towards the loading dock. The Aero Commander pilot reported seeing an airplane coming towards him, but assumed the airplane would turn in front of him towards the runway. When the Aero Commander pilot noticed the other airplane was on a collision course with his airplane, he applied throttle to gain the attention of the other pilot, but was unsuccessful. The propeller of the Air Tractor struck the right wing of the Aero Commander, substantially damaging its right wing. The pilots reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframes and engines of their respective aircraft that would have precluded normal flight.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 1)

The pilot reported that he was parked at the chemical loading dock, which housed the agricultural spray he was using for his dusting. There was a chemical tank and another airplane parked in front of him. After loading his tanks he proceeded to increase the throttle and turn to the right while watching his left wing to clear the obstacles. The Air Tractor pilot commented that he was not watching his right wing due to the sun. At that time, the pilot of the Aero Commander was stopped on the taxiway and idling, waiting to proceed towards the loading dock. The Aero Commander pilot reported seeing an airplane coming towards him, but assumed the airplane would turn in front of him towards the runway. When the Aero Commander pilot noticed the other airplane was on a collision course with his airplane, he applied throttle to gain the attention of the other pilot, but was unsuccessful. The propeller of the Air Tractor struck the right wing of the Aero Commander, substantially damaging its right wing. The pilots reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframes and engines of their respective aircraft that would have precluded normal flight.

## Aircraft 1

- Registration: [N6072X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6072X), registered now, S/N 502B0278, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502b) (registry code 0390307) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52034, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 502B0278
- Airframe hours: 6951
- Engines: P&W PT6A SERIES 500 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Wilbur-Ellis Air LLC
- Registered owner: Wilbur-Ellis Air LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 2011, 118 hours before
- Departed: 43D, Odessa, WA
- Destination: 43D, Odessa, WA
- Airport: 43D, Odessa Municipal Airport

## Aircraft 2

- Registration: [N3662X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3662X), registered now, S/N 1890R, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER S2R
- Registry model: [Aero Commander S2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-s2r) (registry code 0143022) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1890R
- Airframe hours: 9924
- Engines: P&W R1340 SERIES 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Wilbur-Ellis Air LLC
- Registered owner: Wilbur-Ellis Air LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 18, 2011, 125 hours before
- Departed: 43D, Odessa, WA
- Destination: 43D, Odessa, WA
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: 43D, Odessa Municipal Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot, aircraft N6072X; age 37; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; last flight review February 2, 2010; seat: single; flight hours: 4,200 total, 130 in this make and model, 3,800 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours
- Pilot, aircraft N3662X; age 31; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review January 13, 2010; seat: front; flight hours: 3,500 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 3,400 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.79 inHg
- Observed at: KMWH, 20 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (2)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20110607011211A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110607011211A), Jun 7, 2011: Air Tractor Inc AT-502B, Odessa, WA, Substantial damage. [privacy data omitted] Was taxiing in from a aerial application flight and the sun was in his eyes . He taxied into 3662X at the loading pad.
- [Accident 20110607011331A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110607011331A), Jun 7, 2011: Aero Commander S2R, Odessa, WA, Substantial damage. N3662X piloted by [privacy data omitted] was running at the loading pit prior to takeoff. N6072X piloted by [privacy data omitted] was taxiing in, he had the…

## Docket (4 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 5, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=79327. 1.1 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N6072X (item 1, .PDF, 477 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40350153&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N6072X-Redacted.PDF
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N3662X (item 2, .PDF, 483 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40350152&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N3662X-Redacted.PDF
- Record of Conversation - Jason Conner (item 3, .PDF, 49 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40349746&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Jason%20Conner-Master.PDF
- Record of Conversation - Thad Cooper (item 4, .PDF, 49 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40350540&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Thad%20Cooper-Master.PDF

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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