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Ag pilot hits antenna

By NTSB · September 5, 2018 ·

The pilot reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude over a field in Hondo, Texas, during an agricultural application flight, the Air Tractor hit an antenna atop a tower adjacent to the field, and the antenna wrapped around the right wing and landing gear.

The pilot attempted an off-airport landing, but the airplane hit terrain.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

In an e-mail, the tower owner’s lawyer reported that the tower was used for internet and two-way communications. He added that the tower was under 200′ above ground level and “with the antenna attached, the tower was in the mid to upper 100′ range.” The lawyer reported that the tower was marked and lit appropriately and was not registered due its height.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an antenna atop a tower while maneuvering at a low altitude and the airplane’s subsequent impact with terrain during an attempted off-airport landing.

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA462

This September 2016 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. Richard says

    September 6, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Just who is Roy Lewis to judge what is drivel?
    Must be terribly important and experienced airman?
    A cyber bully for sure. A normal person would enter the conversation to learn.
    CFI Bud

  2. Richard R Fuchs says

    September 6, 2018 at 8:19 am

    NTSB MUST come to realize the improperly used power of the ailerons.
    Must unlearn good habit of recovering car by turning into the skid.
    Must now learn in airplane to turn wheel proportionately, opposite the rudder.
    Adverse yaw on the ground is a powerfully useful directional tool.
    CFI RR FUCHS 1507987

    • Roy Lewis says

      September 6, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      I`ve got to figure that no one is monitoring the comments section any longer. As a result we get this drivel.

      • Old Dusterpilot says

        September 6, 2018 at 8:20 pm

        I agree completely….

      • Warren Webb Jr says

        September 6, 2018 at 9:21 pm

        Nonsensical but no problem with leaving it.

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