NTSB Factual Report

On March 22, 2009, approximately 0800 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602 single-engine agricultural airplane, N5189P, was substantially damaged when it impacted power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight near Ville Platte, Louisiana. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Central Farmers Co-Op, of Ville Platte, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot reported on the NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report, "that he had flown the field 6 to 7 times," and knew where the power transmission lines were. The pilot recalled approaching the power lines, followed by "wind, noise, debris, and wetness." He further remembered trying to "hang-on" and "land the airplane."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, who examined the airplane on site, reported that about half of the vertical stabilizer and rudder had been torn off in the collision with the power lines. Following the power line impact, the airplane continued for about a mile before impacting the ground at the edge of the field. The inspector reported that the airplane was substantially damaged during the impact, and added that the pilot's safety belts were broken during the airplane's collision with the ground. The inspector also added that the pilot was wearing a safety helmet at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission lines during an aerial application run.