The pilot was preparing to spray a hay field near Garfield, Kansas, when the Air Tractor AT-502B collided with the top set of power lines that were about 60 feet tall and hit the ground. The pilot was killed in the accident.The operator said that this was the pilot’s first time spraying this field and that he was not familiar with the field or the surrounding obstacles.
The operator reported that a stand of trees was opposite the power lines and that it was difficult to see the top wires as you approached the field because “they would get lost in the trees.”
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and subsequent failure to remain clear of power lines while maneuvering low to the ground.
NTSB Identification: CEN14LA211
This April 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
One of my ‘procedures’ when going into a field for the first time was to do a complete circle around the field in order to locate any hazards like the power line. It looks like he never did that. I also would have gone under the lines if possible. However, it looks like he wasn’t able to do so during each pass.. I always broke the field into two sections when I had a situation like that. The farmer didn’t like it but they usually went along with it after a discussion..
This crash might have been mitigated if the pilot had sprayed the ends of the field first. That will give you time to look over the area without daring the first and heavily loaded pass early on. Fully loaded sprayers are not as docile as one 3/4 full.
The NTSB is intent on KILLING young (more often) male adult ! they KNOW that NO ONE can see wires ! not even Condors .
The FAA the NTSB mandate that around an airport -5 miles- wires be MARKED by orange balls….but they do not permit people to PAY to “adopt-a-wire” ;
As in Adopt-a-highway people would sign a “hold harmless clause”
[A hold harmless clause is a statement in a legal contract stating that an individual or organization is not liable for any injuries or damages caused to the individual signing the contract.]
to satisfy the lawyers ,the wires would be marked with your money and the brand you wish to support…..and PILOTS would see the wires and avoid them !