NTSB Factual Report

On June 19, 2018, about 0715 central daylight time, an Air Tractor 502B agricultural airplane, N2063B, registered to Deterding Aerial of Pond Creek, Oklahoma, was destroyed when it collided with a communications tower while maneuvering during aerial application operations near Enid, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated at 0645 from the Pond Creek private airfield (2K1).

According to the operator, the airplane was dispatched to apply fertilizer to a nearby field and that the pilot was familiar with the field (he had applied fertilizer to the field the previous day). Preflight operations at 2K1 were normal and company personnel stated that the pilot was in good spirits prior to the flight. Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane spraying the field and appeared to be operating normally. They reported that after 8-10 swath runs over the field, the airplane climbed, turned, and then impacted the tower. A witness who was driving in the vicinity, reported that he saw the airplane flying in the area, and that the weather conditions were clear.

The aircraft main wreckage was found in an open flat wheat field north of the intersection of Highway 45 and Garland Road, about 470 feet north of a 419-foot (AGL) communications tower. The top 50-feet of the damaged tower structure was intertwined within the main wreckage. The tower remained standing, but was later taken down by the tower company for safety concerns. Evidence was consistent with a nose down vertical impact.There was no horizontal ground scarring or significant debris trail leading to the wreckage. The fuselage was found inverted and the area of the fuselage forward of the cockpit was crushed aft. Flight control system continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to the flight control surfaces. The cockpit seat was intact and the pilot restraints were found buckled. The airplane was equipped with an inflatable restraint system (airbags), which had deployed. The engine was found approximately 325 feet northeast of the main wreckage, consistent with it separating from the fuselage prior to ground impact. The engine controls (power, propeller, and condition levers), were found in the full forward positions. The propeller assembly showed evidence consistent with power at the time of impact.

The communications tower was constructed in 1989 and was supported by unmarked steel cables. The tower location was published on the current DFW area VFR sectional chart and was painted and lighted in accordance with FAA Circular Number 70/7460-1K. The tower is lit 24-hours/day and painted with FAA specification paint in alternating bands.