NTSB Factual Report

On August 20, 2002, approximately 2015 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B single-engine agricultural airplane, N628LA, was not damaged when the right wing struck a pedestrian on the grass airstrip during landing rollout at the Lane Airpark Airport, Rosenburg, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured, and the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Lane Aviation, Inc., of Rosenburg. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The local flight departed the Lane Airpark Airport approximately 1900.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that he completed the final spray run for the day and contacted the Lane Aviation office via radio that he intended to land on runway 31. Runway 13/31 is a 3,500-foot long and 200-foot wide grass and asphalt airstrip, and the asphalt section is 3,500-feet long and 35-feet wide. While concentrating on the runway markers, which were visible by the airplane landing lights, the pilot executed a three-point landing on the grass section of the runway. During the landing rollout, the pilot felt a "thud," and then saw an object come out from under the right wing. The pilot reported that the pedestrian was wearing "dark clothing" at the time of the accident.

According to the operator, the pedestrian who was struck by the right wing of the airplane, occasionally took walks during the morning and evening hours on the taxiway of the airstrip.

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, sunset for Richmond, Texas, which is located approximately 3 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, occurred at 1959.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pedestrian to perform a visual lookout while walking on the runway which resulted in a on-ground collision with the airplane.