Both agricultural application airplanes were returning to their respective home bases after completing application operations when they collided in-flight at an altitude less than 500 ft agl. Following the collision, one of the airplanes (N502WC) descended to ground contact, fatally injuring the pilot. The pilot of the second airplane (N5044N) performed a forced landing to a field. That pilot reported that he did not see the other airplane until immediately before the collision.
Examination of the engine and flight control systems of both airplanes revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation including the ability to maneuver the airplanes away from each other.
The deceased pilot had at least therapeutic levels of two impairing medications, cyclobenzaprine and hydrocodone, at the time of the accident. In addition, he had low levels of two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine. These four drugs, in combination, would likely have slowed his psychomotor functioning and decreased his attentiveness to the flight environment. Therefore, it is likely that the fatally injured pilot's use of a combination cyclobenzaprine, hydrocodone, and two sedating antihistamines, contributed to his inability to successfully see and avoid the other airplane.
Based upon the sun's position and the statement from the second pilot, the sun was likely in the eyes of the deceased pilot. There was no evidence of the deceased pilot performing any evasive maneuver prior to the collision, which suggests that he never visually acquired the other airplane prior to the collision.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision. Also causal was the pilot's use of two sedating antihistamines and two impairing medication and the effect of sun glare on his visual lookout, which likely led to his inability to successfully see and avoid the other airplane.
Findings
Personnel issues
Lack of action - Pilot (Cause)
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot (Cause)
Prescription medication - Pilot (Cause)
Environmental issues
Bright light - Ability to respond/compensate (Cause)
Javone Logan Cowan
Javone was born in Roseville, California on November 19, 1990. Carried by angels, he crossed over and left his life here on July 23, 2016, in a plane crash. He graduated from East Nicolaus High School in 2009. He then went on to Ag - Flight, Inc, a professional AG pilot training School in Georgia to become a Crop Duster. After finishing his flight school, he went on to Wyoming and Utah to work. After a year or so, he returned, and was given his first flight job in CA., at Avag, INC. Javone then went to work for Farm Air, Inc. and has worked there since 2013. Javone loved his life, his family and his flying! Blue Skies and Tailwinds until we meet again.
The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California
Air Tractor, Inc.; Olney, Texas
N502WC Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
N502WC Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N502WC
N502WC Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Location: Zamora, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA148A
Date & Time: 07/23/2016, 0745 PDT
Registration: N502WC
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time (PDT), two Air Tractor AT-502Bs, N502WC, and N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. The commercial pilot of N502WC was fatally injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot of N5044N received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. N502WC was operated by Farm Air Flying Services, and N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service. Both flights were operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as aerial application flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air Flying Services.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
During a postaccident interview, the pilot of N5044N reported that he could not recall his altitude but stated that it would normally have been at least 500 ft above ground level (agl). He added that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered his airplane and ascended; however, N502WC contacted the undercarriage of his airplane and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently performed a forced landing to an open field. According to the pilot of N5044N, the pilot of N502WC would have been traveling toward the sun and likely did not see him before the collision.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
N502WC
The pilot, age 25, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land. He also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His most recent second-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate was issued on March 30, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for that certificate, the pilot reported 2,250 total hours of flight experience, with 450 hours in the previous 6 months.
Acccording to the pilot's logbook, the most recent flight review was performed on February 16, 2016. He received a logbook endorsement under Title 14 CFR Part 61.56 – Flight Review.
N5044N
The pilot, age 64, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on October 1, 2015, with the limitation for wear corrective lenses. The pilot had been flying for Growers Air Services for the past 27 years. His flight experience was not determined.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Both airplanes were painted yellow with blue trim.
N502WC
The airplane, serial number 502B-2830, was manufactured in 2012; and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0774. The most recent annual inspection was completed on May 1, 2016, at an airframe total time of 967.5 hours.
N5044N
The airplane, serial number 502B-0452, was manufactured in 1997, and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0416. The airplane Hobbs hour meter indicated a time of 1533.8 hours' time-in-service. The airplane logbooks were not made available for review.
METOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
According to the sun position chart sunrise was at 0600. The sun's azimuth at 0745 was 64°, at an elevation of 18° above the horizon.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), an FAA inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to both accident sites. The accident sites were separated by about 2/3 mile.
N502WC came to rest partially intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280°. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and were not located. The propeller hub, with propeller blades attached, had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and cockpit canopy had separated from the airplane. The main landing gear remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system. The airbags were found deployed in the fuselage wreckage.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact except for the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage. The left wing sustained damage the length of the wing, and the aileron was damaged. The wing tip had blue paint transfer on the underneath portion of the wing. The airplane came to rest on a 100° magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight controls surfaces. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system that had not deployed during the collision or subsequent forced landing.
Neither airplane exhibited any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The County of Sacramento, Department of Coroner, Sacramento, California, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot of N502WC. The cause of death was reported as multiple injuries.
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology testing on specimens of the pilot of N502WC. Carbon monoxide and cyanide testing were not performed; volatiles testing reported no ethanol detected in urine. Tested-for-drugs yielded positive results.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the pilot had reported no chronic medical conditions and no medication use to the FAA. The FAA issued the pilot a second-class medical certificate without limitations.
The County of Sacramento, Department of the Corner, recovered three loose white oblong tablets, two of which were broken in half; the tablets were located in the pilot's pants pocket. The tablets had the imprint "M367" on them, which is consistent with acetaminophen and hydrocodone 325 mg/10mg.
Postaccident toxicology testing identified hydrocodone at 46 ng/ml (0.046 ug/ml) and its metabolite dihydrocodeine at 10 ng/ml (0.010 ug/ml) in femoral blood. In addition, there were two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, found in subclavian and heart blood respectively. The levels presented for each were below the calibration curve of the instruments and below the lower end of the therapeutic ranges. Chlorpheniramine was also confirmed in the liver and diphenhydramine was confirmed in urine. Sertraline and its metabolite Demethylsertraline were found in liver and lung tissue. Tramadol and its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol were found in urine but not in blood. Hydrocodone was detected in heart blood but could not be quantified due to technical difficulties. Its active metabolite, dihydrocodeine, was quantified at 0.016 ug/ml in heart blood. Both the hydrocodone and the dihydrocodeine, and another metabolite, hydromorphone, were identified in urine. An opioid unrelated to the others, morphine, was also found in urine, but not in blood.
Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, two sedating antihistamines are available as over-the-counter allergy product and sleep aid respectively. Chlorpheniramine has the following warning, "when using this product, drowsiness may occur, avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness; use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery." According to the NTSB medical officer, Diphenhydramine is classified as a CNS depressant, and this is the rationale for its use as a sleep aid. Possible side-effects could potentially be altered mood and impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance. In a driving simulator study, a single dose of diphenhydramine impaired driving ability more than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.100°.
Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasm. It is considered potentially impairing and carries this warning, "Cyclobenzaprine HC1 may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants." Cyclobenzaprine does undergo a significant post mortem redistribution, it moves back into blood from storage sites after death, as a result, levels identified in heart blood during postmortem may be many times higher than ante mortem levels.
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant also marketed under the name Zoloft. While not considered directly impairing, depression is associated with significant cognitive degradation. The FAA requires pilots being treated for depression to undergo additional evaluation beyond the usual medical certification.
The autopsy also revealed the use of several opioids; Tramadol, hydrocodone, and morphine. Tramadol is available through a prescription as a Schedule IV controlled substance. The coroner's laboratory identified hydrocodone and its active metabolite dihydrocodeine in femoral blood. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is available by prescription. This drug is considered to have a high potential for abuse and users are warned, that "profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants. The therapeutic range for hydrocodone is considered between 0.0100 and 0.0500 ug/ml. the specimen used by the coroner was from femoral blood, the level 0.046 ug/ml best represents the pilot's ante mortem drug level. Dihydrocodeine is an active metabolite of hydrocodone.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the morphine found in the pilot's urine but not in blood may represent previous use of morphine, codeine, or heroin. Drugs found only in urine, but not in other body tissue are generally considered to no longer have any direct psychoactive effects.
N5044N
The pilot of N5044N, received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. He reported the use of simvastatin to lower cholesterol on his most recent FAA medical certificate application. No postaccident toxicology testing was performed on the surviving pilot.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Two onboard devices used to control agricultural spray operations based on vendor-and user-prescribed maps were shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division: A Hemisphere Satloc G-4 that was installed on N502WC, and a Satloc M3 CPU that was installed on N5044N.
The Satloc G-4 sustained minor damage, and recorded data for the accident flight between 0624:48 and 0739:49 PDT
The Satloc M3 CPU Data Recovery sustained minor damage, but data retrieved from the compact flash card contained only ground operations from 0531 and 0532 (time zone not verified) on the day of the accident. According to the manufacturer, the Satloc M3 was an older generation unit that only copied data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory when a new log was started.
Data recovered from N502WC (the airplane with the Satloc G-4 installed was overlaid on a Google Earth image). Data ended as the airplane was traveling eastbound about 143 mph. The overlay showed that N502WC flew two racetrack-type patterns over fields. Following the second pattern, the accident airplane headed east at 284.3 ft agl traveling 145.19 mph at 0739:17. About 13 seconds later, the accident airplane was traveling 145.22 mph at an altitude of 337.7 ft. agl. The last recorded log was at 0739:459 at an altitude of 433.9 ft agl, and airspeed of 143.16 mph.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regarding collision avoidance, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states,
"All pilots must be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions… this concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all times, by each person operating an aircraft regardless of whether the operation is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) or visual flight rules (VFR)… most midair collision accident and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours of daylight. Most of these accident/incidents occur within 5 miles of an airport and/or near navigation aids."
The NTSB released a Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations; NTSB/SIR-14/01 PB2014-105983. To view the entire investigative report go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/SIR1401.aspx
The NTSB has released two safety alerts that address midair collisions and preventions. To view the safety alerts in their entirety go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Pages/default.aspx
SA-045: See and Be Seen: Your Life Depends on it
SA-058: Prevent Midair Collisions: Don't Depend on Vision Alone
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) emails weekly a fly safe newsletter and publishes a Professional Operating Guidelines manual. Chapter 4 safety, section 4.3 Subsection C, titled Safe Piloting Techniques; recommends that the pilot ferry the airplane to and from application sites above 500 ft agl and remain clear of congested areas, and to see and avoid other aircraft and obstructions.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Center
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2250 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0 hours (Total, this make and model), 450 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N502WC
Model/Series: AT 502B B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502B-2830
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 968 Hours
Engines: Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 967.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 502B-2830
Registered Owner: SIB AG AERO LLC
Rated Power: 750 hp
Operator: Farm Air Flying Services
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSMF, 23 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 128°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: VERONA, CA (38CL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: VERONA, CA (38CL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: PDT
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Riego Flight Strip Airport (38CL)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.802778, -121.767500 (est)
N5044N Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
N5044N Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N5044N
N5044N Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Analysis
Both agricultural application airplanes were returning to their respective home bases after completing application operations when they collided in-flight at an altitude less than 500 ft agl. Following the collision, one of the airplanes (N502WC) descended to ground contact, fatally injuring the pilot. The pilot of the second airplane (N5044N) performed a forced landing to a field. That pilot reported that he did not see the other airplane until immediately before the collision.
Examination of the engine and flight control systems of both airplanes revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation including the ability to maneuver the airplanes away from each other.
The deceased pilot had at least therapeutic levels of two impairing medications, cyclobenzaprine and hydrocodone, at the time of the accident. In addition, he had low-levels of two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine. These four drugs, in combination, would likely have slowed his psychomotor functioning and decreased his attentiveness to the flight environment. Therefore, it is likely that the fatally injured pilot's use of a combination cyclobenzaprine, hydrocodone, and two sedating antihistamines, contributed to his inability to successfully see and avoid the other airplane.
Based upon the sun's position and the statement from the second pilot, the sun was likely in the eyes of the deceased pilot. There was no evidence of the deceased pilot performing any evasive maneuver prior to the collision, which suggests that he never visually acquired the other airplane prior to the collision.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision. Also causal was the other pilot's use of two sedating antihistamines and two impairing medication and the effect of sun glare on his visual lookout, which likely led to his inability to successfully see and avoid the other airplane.
Findings
Personnel issues
Delayed action - Pilot (Cause)
Monitoring other aircraft - Pilot (Cause)
Prescription medication - Pilot of other aircraft (Cause)
Accident Number: WPR16FA148B
Date & Time: 07/23/2016, 0745 PDT
Registration: N5044N
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time (PDT), two Air Tractor AT-502Bs, N502WC, and N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. The commercial pilot of N502WC was fatally injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot of N5044N received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. N502WC was operated by Farm Air Flying Services, and N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service. Both flights were operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as aerial application flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air Flying Services.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
During a postaccident interview, the pilot of N5044N reported that he could not recall his altitude but stated that it would normally have been at least 500 ft above ground level (agl). He added that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered his airplane and ascended; however, N502WC contacted the undercarriage of his airplane and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently performed a forced landing to an open field. According to the pilot of N5044N, the pilot of N502WC would have been traveling toward the sun and likely did not see him before the collision.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
N502WC
The pilot, age 25, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land. He also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His most recent second-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate was issued on March 30, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for that certificate, the pilot reported 2,250 total hours of flight experience, with 450 hours in the previous 6 months.
According to the pilot's logbook, the most recent flight review was performed on February 16, 2016. He received a logbook endorsement under Title 14 CFR Part 61.56 – Flight Review.
N5044N
The pilot, age 64, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on October 1, 2015, with the limitation for wear corrective lenses. The pilot had been flying for Growers Air Services for the past 27 years. His flight experience was not determined.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Both airplanes were painted yellow with blue trim.
N502WC
The airplane, serial number 502B-2830, was manufactured in 2012; and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0774. The most recent annual inspection was completed on May 1, 2016, at an airframe total time of 967.5 hours.
N5044N
The airplane, serial number 502B-0452, was manufactured in 1997, and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0416. The airplane Hobbs hour meter indicated a time of 1533.8 hours' time-in-service. The airplane logbooks were not made available for review.
METOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
According to the sun position chart sunrise was at 0600. The sun's azimuth at 0745 was 64°, at an elevation of 18° above the horizon.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), an FAA inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to both accident sites. The accident sites were separated by about 2/3 mile.
N502WC came to rest partially intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280°. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and were not located. The propeller hub, with propeller blades attached, had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and cockpit canopy had separated from the airplane. The main landing gear remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system. The airbags were found deployed in the fuselage wreckage.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact except for the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage. The left wing sustained damage the length of the wing, and the aileron was damaged. The wing tip had blue paint transfer on the underneath portion of the wing. The airplane came to rest on a 100° magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight controls surfaces. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system that had not deployed during the collision or subsequent forced landing.
Neither airplane exhibited any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The County of Sacramento, Department of Coroner, Sacramento, California, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot of N502WC. The cause of death was reported as multiple injuries.
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology testing on specimens of the pilot of N502WC. Carbon monoxide and cyanide testing were not performed; volatiles testing reported no ethanol detected in urine. Tested-for-drugs yielded positive results.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the pilot had reported no chronic medical conditions and no medication use to the FAA. The FAA issued the pilot a second-class medical certificate without limitations.
The County of Sacramento, Department of the Corner, recovered three loose white oblong tablets, two of which were broken in half; the tablets were located in the pilot's pants pocket. The tablets had the imprint "M367" on them, which is consistent with acetaminophen and hydrocodone 325 mg/10mg.
Postaccident toxicology testing identified hydrocodone at 46 ng/ml (0.046 ug/ml) and its metabolite dihydrocodeine at 10 ng/ml (0.010 ug/ml) in femoral blood. In addition, there were two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, found in subclavian and heart blood respectively. The levels presented for each were below the calibration curve of the instruments and below the lower end of the therapeutic ranges. Chlorpheniramine was also confirmed in the liver and diphenhydramine was confirmed in urine. Sertraline and its metabolite Demethylsertraline were found in liver and lung tissue. Tramadol and its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol were found in urine but not in blood. Hydrocodone was detected in heart blood but could not be quantified due to technical difficulties. Its active metabolite, dihydrocodeine, was quantified at 0.016 ug/ml in heart blood. Both the hydrocodone and the dihydrocodeine, and another metabolite, hydromorphone, were identified in urine. An opioid unrelated to the others, morphine, was also found in urine, but not in blood.
Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, two sedating antihistamines are available as over-the-counter allergy product and sleep aid respectively. Chlorpheniramine has the following warning, "when using this product, drowsiness may occur, avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness; use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery." According to the NTSB medical officer, Diphenhydramine is classified as a CNS depressant, and this is the rationale for its use as a sleep aid. Possible side-effects could potentially be altered mood and impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance. In a driving simulator study, a single dose of diphenhydramine impaired driving ability more than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.100%.
Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasm. It is considered potentially impairing and carries this warning, "Cyclobenzaprine HC1 may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants." Cyclobenzaprine does undergo a significant post mortem redistribution, it moves back into blood from storage sites after death, as a result, levels identified in heart blood during postmortem may be many times higher than ante mortem levels.
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant also marketed under the name Zoloft. While not considered directly impairing, depression is associated with significant cognitive degradation. The FAA requires pilots being treated for depression to undergo additional evaluation beyond the usual medical certification.
The autopsy also revealed the use of several opioids; Tramadol, hydrocodone, and morphine. Tramadol is available through a prescription as a Schedule IV controlled substance. The coroner's laboratory identified hydrocodone and its active metabolite dihydrocodeine in femoral blood. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is available by prescription. This drug is considered to have a high potential for abuse and users are warned, that "profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants. The therapeutic range for hydrocodone is considered between 0.0100 and 0.0500 ug/ml. the specimen used by the coroner was from femoral blood, the level 0.046 ug/ml best represents the pilot's ante mortem drug level. Dihydrocodeine is an active metabolite of hydrocodone.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the morphine found in the pilot's urine but not in blood may represent previous use of morphine, codeine, or heroin. Drugs found only in urine, but not in other body tissue are generally considered to no longer have any direct psychoactive effects.
N5044N
The pilot of N5044N, received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. He reported the use of simvastatin to lower cholesterol on his most recent FAA medical certificate application. No postaccident toxicology testing was performed on the surviving pilot.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Two onboard devices used to control agricultural spray operations based on vendor-and user-prescribed maps were shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division: A Hemisphere Satloc G-4 that was installed on N502WC, and a Satloc M3 CPU that was installed on N5044N.
The Satloc G-4 sustained minor damage, and recorded data for the accident flight between 0624:48 and 0739:49 PDT
The Satloc M3 CPU Data Recovery sustained minor damage, but data retrieved from the compact flash card contained only ground operations from 0531 and 0532 (time zone not verified) on the day of the accident. According to the manufacturer, the Satloc M3 was an older generation unit that only copied data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory when a new log was started.
Data recovered from N502WC (the airplane with the Satloc G-4 installed was overlaid on a Google Earth image). Data ended as the airplane was traveling eastbound about 143 mph. The overlay showed that N502WC flew two racetrack-type patterns over fields. Following the second pattern, the accident airplane headed east at 284.3 ft agl traveling 145.19 mph at 0739:17. About 13 seconds later, the accident airplane was traveling 145.22 mph at an altitude of 337.7 ft. agl. The last recorded log was at 0739:459 at an altitude of 433.9 ft agl, and airspeed of 143.16 mph.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regarding collision avoidance, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states
"All pilots must be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions… this concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all times, by each person operating an aircraft regardless of whether the operation is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) or visual flight rules (VFR)… most midair collision accident and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours of daylight. Most of these accident/incidents occur within 5 miles of an airport and/or near navigation aids."
The NTSB released a Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations; NTSB/SIR-14/01 PB2014-105983. To view the entire investigative report go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/SIR1401.aspx
The NTSB has released two safety alerts that address midair collisions and preventions. To view the safety alerts in their entirety please go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Pages/default.aspx
SA-045: See and Be Seen: Your Life Depends on it
SA-058: Prevent Midair Collisions: Don't Depend on Vision Alone
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) emails weekly a fly safe newsletter and publishes a Professional Operating Guidelines manual. Chapter 4 safety, section 4.3 Subsection C, titled Safe Piloting Techniques; recommends that the pilot ferry the airplane to and from application sites above 500 ft agl and remain clear of congested areas, and to see and avoid other aircraft and obstructions.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/01/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N5044N
Model/Series: AT 502B B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502B-0452
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 502B-0452
Registered Owner: GROWERS AIR SERVICE INC
Rated Power: 750 hp
Operator: GROWERS AIR SERVICE INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSMF, 23 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 128°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: DAVIS, CA (69CL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: DAVIS, CA (69CL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: PDT
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Riego Flight Strip Airport (38CL)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 38.802778, -121.767500 (est)
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Zamora, CA
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B, registration: N502WC
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Zamora, CA
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B, registration: N5044N
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N502WC, and an Air Tractor AT-502B, N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. N502WC was operated by Farm Air under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service, and was operated as an aerial application flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant, and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air's base.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field, and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
The pilot of N5044N was interviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge (IIC). The pilot reported that he could not recall his altitude, and opined it would normally have been at least 500 feet agl. He stated that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered the airplane and ascended. However, N502WC made contact with the undercarriage of his airplane. N502WC subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N stated that he was losing altitude and landed off airport in an open field.
The NTSB IIC, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to the accident sites. The accident sites were about a half mile from each other.
N502WC came to rest mostly intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280 degrees. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and has yet to be located. The propeller hub with propeller blades had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and the canopy for the cockpit had separated from the airplane. One of the main landing gear for N502WC remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage at its relative normal location.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact with the exception of the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. The airplane came to rest on a 100-degree magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established. Both airplanes were recovered for further examination. The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California
Air Tractor, Inc.; Olney, Texas
N502WC Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
N502WC Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N502WC
N502WC Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Location: Zamora, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA148A
Date & Time: 07/23/2016, 0745 PDT
Registration: N502WC
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time (PDT), two Air Tractor AT-502Bs, N502WC, and N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. The commercial pilot of N502WC was fatally injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot of N5044N received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. N502WC was operated by Farm Air Flying Services, and N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service. Both flights were operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as aerial application flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air Flying Services.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
During a postaccident interview, the pilot of N5044N reported that he could not recall his altitude but stated that it would normally have been at least 500 ft above ground level (agl). He added that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered his airplane and ascended; however, N502WC contacted the undercarriage of his airplane and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently performed a forced landing to an open field. According to the pilot of N5044N, the pilot of N502WC would have been traveling toward the sun and likely did not see him before the collision.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
N502WC
The pilot, age 25, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land. He also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His most recent second-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate was issued on March 30, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for that certificate, the pilot reported 2,250 total hours of flight experience, with 450 hours in the previous 6 months.
Acccording to the pilot's logbook, the most recent flight review was performed on February 16, 2016. He received a logbook endorsement under Title 14 CFR Part 61.56 – Flight Review.
N5044N
The pilot, age 64, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on October 1, 2015, with the limitation for wear corrective lenses. The pilot had been flying for Growers Air Services for the past 27 years. His flight experience was not determined.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Both airplanes were painted yellow with blue trim.
N502WC
The airplane, serial number 502B-2830, was manufactured in 2012; and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0774. The most recent annual inspection was completed on May 1, 2016, at an airframe total time of 967.5 hours.
N5044N
The airplane, serial number 502B-0452, was manufactured in 1997, and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0416. The airplane Hobbs hour meter indicated a time of 1533.8 hours' time-in-service. The airplane logbooks were not made available for review.
METOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
According to the sun position chart sunrise was at 0600. The sun's azimuth at 0745 was 64°, at an elevation of 18° above the horizon.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), an FAA inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to both accident sites. The accident sites were separated by about 2/3 mile.
N502WC came to rest partially intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280°. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and were not located. The propeller hub, with propeller blades attached, had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and cockpit canopy had separated from the airplane. The main landing gear remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system. The airbags were found deployed in the fuselage wreckage.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact except for the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage. The left wing sustained damage the length of the wing, and the aileron was damaged. The wing tip had blue paint transfer on the underneath portion of the wing. The airplane came to rest on a 100° magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight controls surfaces. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system that had not deployed during the collision or subsequent forced landing.
Neither airplane exhibited any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The County of Sacramento, Department of Coroner, Sacramento, California, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot of N502WC. The cause of death was reported as multiple injuries.
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology testing on specimens of the pilot of N502WC. Carbon monoxide and cyanide testing were not performed; volatiles testing reported no ethanol detected in urine. Tested-for-drugs yielded positive results.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the pilot had reported no chronic medical conditions and no medication use to the FAA. The FAA issued the pilot a second-class medical certificate without limitations.
The County of Sacramento, Department of the Corner, recovered three loose white oblong tablets, two of which were broken in half; the tablets were located in the pilot's pants pocket. The tablets had the imprint "M367" on them, which is consistent with acetaminophen and hydrocodone 325 mg/10mg.
Postaccident toxicology testing identified hydrocodone at 46 ng/ml (0.046 ug/ml) and its metabolite dihydrocodeine at 10 ng/ml (0.010 ug/ml) in femoral blood. In addition, there were two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, found in subclavian and heart blood respectively. The levels presented for each were below the calibration curve of the instruments and below the lower end of the therapeutic ranges. Chlorpheniramine was also confirmed in the liver and diphenhydramine was confirmed in urine. Sertraline and its metabolite Demethylsertraline were found in liver and lung tissue. Tramadol and its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol were found in urine but not in blood. Hydrocodone was detected in heart blood but could not be quantified due to technical difficulties. Its active metabolite, dihydrocodeine, was quantified at 0.016 ug/ml in heart blood. Both the hydrocodone and the dihydrocodeine, and another metabolite, hydromorphone, were identified in urine. An opioid unrelated to the others, morphine, was also found in urine, but not in blood.
Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, two sedating antihistamines are available as over-the-counter allergy product and sleep aid respectively. Chlorpheniramine has the following warning, "when using this product, drowsiness may occur, avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness; use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery." According to the NTSB medical officer, Diphenhydramine is classified as a CNS depressant, and this is the rationale for its use as a sleep aid. Possible side-effects could potentially be altered mood and impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance. In a driving simulator study, a single dose of diphenhydramine impaired driving ability more than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.100°.
Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasm. It is considered potentially impairing and carries this warning, "Cyclobenzaprine HC1 may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants." Cyclobenzaprine does undergo a significant post mortem redistribution, it moves back into blood from storage sites after death, as a result, levels identified in heart blood during postmortem may be many times higher than ante mortem levels.
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant also marketed under the name Zoloft. While not considered directly impairing, depression is associated with significant cognitive degradation. The FAA requires pilots being treated for depression to undergo additional evaluation beyond the usual medical certification.
The autopsy also revealed the use of several opioids; Tramadol, hydrocodone, and morphine. Tramadol is available through a prescription as a Schedule IV controlled substance. The coroner's laboratory identified hydrocodone and its active metabolite dihydrocodeine in femoral blood. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is available by prescription. This drug is considered to have a high potential for abuse and users are warned, that "profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants. The therapeutic range for hydrocodone is considered between 0.0100 and 0.0500 ug/ml. the specimen used by the coroner was from femoral blood, the level 0.046 ug/ml best represents the pilot's ante mortem drug level. Dihydrocodeine is an active metabolite of hydrocodone.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the morphine found in the pilot's urine but not in blood may represent previous use of morphine, codeine, or heroin. Drugs found only in urine, but not in other body tissue are generally considered to no longer have any direct psychoactive effects.
N5044N
The pilot of N5044N, received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. He reported the use of simvastatin to lower cholesterol on his most recent FAA medical certificate application. No postaccident toxicology testing was performed on the surviving pilot.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Two onboard devices used to control agricultural spray operations based on vendor-and user-prescribed maps were shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division: A Hemisphere Satloc G-4 that was installed on N502WC, and a Satloc M3 CPU that was installed on N5044N.
The Satloc G-4 sustained minor damage, and recorded data for the accident flight between 0624:48 and 0739:49 PDT
The Satloc M3 CPU Data Recovery sustained minor damage, but data retrieved from the compact flash card contained only ground operations from 0531 and 0532 (time zone not verified) on the day of the accident. According to the manufacturer, the Satloc M3 was an older generation unit that only copied data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory when a new log was started.
Data recovered from N502WC (the airplane with the Satloc G-4 installed was overlaid on a Google Earth image). Data ended as the airplane was traveling eastbound about 143 mph. The overlay showed that N502WC flew two racetrack-type patterns over fields. Following the second pattern, the accident airplane headed east at 284.3 ft agl traveling 145.19 mph at 0739:17. About 13 seconds later, the accident airplane was traveling 145.22 mph at an altitude of 337.7 ft. agl. The last recorded log was at 0739:459 at an altitude of 433.9 ft agl, and airspeed of 143.16 mph.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regarding collision avoidance, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states,
"All pilots must be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions… this concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all times, by each person operating an aircraft regardless of whether the operation is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) or visual flight rules (VFR)… most midair collision accident and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours of daylight. Most of these accident/incidents occur within 5 miles of an airport and/or near navigation aids."
The NTSB released a Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations; NTSB/SIR-14/01 PB2014-105983. To view the entire investigative report go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/SIR1401.aspx
The NTSB has released two safety alerts that address midair collisions and preventions. To view the safety alerts in their entirety go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Pages/default.aspx
SA-045: See and Be Seen: Your Life Depends on it
SA-058: Prevent Midair Collisions: Don't Depend on Vision Alone
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) emails weekly a fly safe newsletter and publishes a Professional Operating Guidelines manual. Chapter 4 safety, section 4.3 Subsection C, titled Safe Piloting Techniques; recommends that the pilot ferry the airplane to and from application sites above 500 ft agl and remain clear of congested areas, and to see and avoid other aircraft and obstructions.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Center
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/01/2016
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 2250 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0 hours (Total, this make and model), 450 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N502WC
Model/Series: AT 502B B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2012
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502B-2830
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/01/2016, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection: 968 Hours
Engines: Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 967.5 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 502B-2830
Registered Owner: SIB AG AERO LLC
Rated Power: 750 hp
Operator: Farm Air Flying Services
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSMF, 23 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 128°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: VERONA, CA (38CL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: VERONA, CA (38CL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: PDT
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Riego Flight Strip Airport (38CL)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal
Latitude, Longitude: 38.802778, -121.767500 (est)
N5044N Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
N5044N Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf
N5044N Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms
http://registry.faa.gov/N5044N
Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board
Location: Zamora, CA
Accident Number: WPR16FA148B
Date & Time: 07/23/2016, 0745 PDT
Registration: N5044N
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Midair collision
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural
HISTORY OF FLIGHT
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time (PDT), two Air Tractor AT-502Bs, N502WC, and N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. The commercial pilot of N502WC was fatally injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot of N5044N received minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. N502WC was operated by Farm Air Flying Services, and N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service. Both flights were operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as aerial application flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air Flying Services.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
During a postaccident interview, the pilot of N5044N reported that he could not recall his altitude but stated that it would normally have been at least 500 ft above ground level (agl). He added that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered his airplane and ascended; however, N502WC contacted the undercarriage of his airplane and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently performed a forced landing to an open field. According to the pilot of N5044N, the pilot of N502WC would have been traveling toward the sun and likely did not see him before the collision.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
N502WC
The pilot, age 25, held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land. He also held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. His most recent second-class Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate was issued on March 30, 2016, with no limitations. On the application for that certificate, the pilot reported 2,250 total hours of flight experience, with 450 hours in the previous 6 months.
According to the pilot's logbook, the most recent flight review was performed on February 16, 2016. He received a logbook endorsement under Title 14 CFR Part 61.56 – Flight Review.
N5044N
The pilot, age 64, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on October 1, 2015, with the limitation for wear corrective lenses. The pilot had been flying for Growers Air Services for the past 27 years. His flight experience was not determined.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Both airplanes were painted yellow with blue trim.
N502WC
The airplane, serial number 502B-2830, was manufactured in 2012; and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0774. The most recent annual inspection was completed on May 1, 2016, at an airframe total time of 967.5 hours.
N5044N
The airplane, serial number 502B-0452, was manufactured in 1997, and equipped with a 750-shaft horsepower Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG engine, serial number PCE-PH0416. The airplane Hobbs hour meter indicated a time of 1533.8 hours' time-in-service. The airplane logbooks were not made available for review.
METOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
According to the sun position chart sunrise was at 0600. The sun's azimuth at 0745 was 64°, at an elevation of 18° above the horizon.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), an FAA inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to both accident sites. The accident sites were separated by about 2/3 mile.
N502WC came to rest partially intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280°. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and were not located. The propeller hub, with propeller blades attached, had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and cockpit canopy had separated from the airplane. The main landing gear remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system. The airbags were found deployed in the fuselage wreckage.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact except for the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage. The left wing sustained damage the length of the wing, and the aileron was damaged. The wing tip had blue paint transfer on the underneath portion of the wing. The airplane came to rest on a 100° magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight controls surfaces. The airplane was equipped with an AmSafe inflatable restraint (airbag) system that had not deployed during the collision or subsequent forced landing.
Neither airplane exhibited any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The County of Sacramento, Department of Coroner, Sacramento, California, performed a postmortem examination of the pilot of N502WC. The cause of death was reported as multiple injuries.
The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology testing on specimens of the pilot of N502WC. Carbon monoxide and cyanide testing were not performed; volatiles testing reported no ethanol detected in urine. Tested-for-drugs yielded positive results.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the pilot had reported no chronic medical conditions and no medication use to the FAA. The FAA issued the pilot a second-class medical certificate without limitations.
The County of Sacramento, Department of the Corner, recovered three loose white oblong tablets, two of which were broken in half; the tablets were located in the pilot's pants pocket. The tablets had the imprint "M367" on them, which is consistent with acetaminophen and hydrocodone 325 mg/10mg.
Postaccident toxicology testing identified hydrocodone at 46 ng/ml (0.046 ug/ml) and its metabolite dihydrocodeine at 10 ng/ml (0.010 ug/ml) in femoral blood. In addition, there were two sedating antihistamines, chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, found in subclavian and heart blood respectively. The levels presented for each were below the calibration curve of the instruments and below the lower end of the therapeutic ranges. Chlorpheniramine was also confirmed in the liver and diphenhydramine was confirmed in urine. Sertraline and its metabolite Demethylsertraline were found in liver and lung tissue. Tramadol and its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol were found in urine but not in blood. Hydrocodone was detected in heart blood but could not be quantified due to technical difficulties. Its active metabolite, dihydrocodeine, was quantified at 0.016 ug/ml in heart blood. Both the hydrocodone and the dihydrocodeine, and another metabolite, hydromorphone, were identified in urine. An opioid unrelated to the others, morphine, was also found in urine, but not in blood.
Chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine, two sedating antihistamines are available as over-the-counter allergy product and sleep aid respectively. Chlorpheniramine has the following warning, "when using this product, drowsiness may occur, avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness; use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery." According to the NTSB medical officer, Diphenhydramine is classified as a CNS depressant, and this is the rationale for its use as a sleep aid. Possible side-effects could potentially be altered mood and impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance. In a driving simulator study, a single dose of diphenhydramine impaired driving ability more than a blood alcohol concentration of 0.100%.
Cyclobenzaprine is a prescription medication used to treat muscle spasm. It is considered potentially impairing and carries this warning, "Cyclobenzaprine HC1 may enhance the effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other central nervous system depressants." Cyclobenzaprine does undergo a significant post mortem redistribution, it moves back into blood from storage sites after death, as a result, levels identified in heart blood during postmortem may be many times higher than ante mortem levels.
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant also marketed under the name Zoloft. While not considered directly impairing, depression is associated with significant cognitive degradation. The FAA requires pilots being treated for depression to undergo additional evaluation beyond the usual medical certification.
The autopsy also revealed the use of several opioids; Tramadol, hydrocodone, and morphine. Tramadol is available through a prescription as a Schedule IV controlled substance. The coroner's laboratory identified hydrocodone and its active metabolite dihydrocodeine in femoral blood. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance and is available by prescription. This drug is considered to have a high potential for abuse and users are warned, that "profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants. The therapeutic range for hydrocodone is considered between 0.0100 and 0.0500 ug/ml. the specimen used by the coroner was from femoral blood, the level 0.046 ug/ml best represents the pilot's ante mortem drug level. Dihydrocodeine is an active metabolite of hydrocodone.
According to the NTSB medical officer, the morphine found in the pilot's urine but not in blood may represent previous use of morphine, codeine, or heroin. Drugs found only in urine, but not in other body tissue are generally considered to no longer have any direct psychoactive effects.
N5044N
The pilot of N5044N, received minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. He reported the use of simvastatin to lower cholesterol on his most recent FAA medical certificate application. No postaccident toxicology testing was performed on the surviving pilot.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Two onboard devices used to control agricultural spray operations based on vendor-and user-prescribed maps were shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division: A Hemisphere Satloc G-4 that was installed on N502WC, and a Satloc M3 CPU that was installed on N5044N.
The Satloc G-4 sustained minor damage, and recorded data for the accident flight between 0624:48 and 0739:49 PDT
The Satloc M3 CPU Data Recovery sustained minor damage, but data retrieved from the compact flash card contained only ground operations from 0531 and 0532 (time zone not verified) on the day of the accident. According to the manufacturer, the Satloc M3 was an older generation unit that only copied data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory when a new log was started.
Data recovered from N502WC (the airplane with the Satloc G-4 installed was overlaid on a Google Earth image). Data ended as the airplane was traveling eastbound about 143 mph. The overlay showed that N502WC flew two racetrack-type patterns over fields. Following the second pattern, the accident airplane headed east at 284.3 ft agl traveling 145.19 mph at 0739:17. About 13 seconds later, the accident airplane was traveling 145.22 mph at an altitude of 337.7 ft. agl. The last recorded log was at 0739:459 at an altitude of 433.9 ft agl, and airspeed of 143.16 mph.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Regarding collision avoidance, the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states
"All pilots must be alert to the potential for midair collision and near midair collisions… this concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all times, by each person operating an aircraft regardless of whether the operation is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) or visual flight rules (VFR)… most midair collision accident and reported near midair collision incidents occur in good VFR weather conditions and during the hours of daylight. Most of these accident/incidents occur within 5 miles of an airport and/or near navigation aids."
The NTSB released a Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations; NTSB/SIR-14/01 PB2014-105983. To view the entire investigative report go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/SIR1401.aspx
The NTSB has released two safety alerts that address midair collisions and preventions. To view the safety alerts in their entirety please go to: https://ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Pages/default.aspx
SA-045: See and Be Seen: Your Life Depends on it
SA-058: Prevent Midair Collisions: Don't Depend on Vision Alone
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) emails weekly a fly safe newsletter and publishes a Professional Operating Guidelines manual. Chapter 4 safety, section 4.3 Subsection C, titled Safe Piloting Techniques; recommends that the pilot ferry the airplane to and from application sites above 500 ft agl and remain clear of congested areas, and to see and avoid other aircraft and obstructions.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 10/01/2015
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: AIR TRACTOR INC
Registration: N5044N
Model/Series: AT 502B B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502B-0452
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection: Unknown
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney Canada
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 502B-0452
Registered Owner: GROWERS AIR SERVICE INC
Rated Power: 750 hp
Operator: GROWERS AIR SERVICE INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSMF, 23 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 11 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 128°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 14°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 29.94 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: DAVIS, CA (69CL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Destination: DAVIS, CA (69CL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: PDT
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Riego Flight Strip Airport (38CL)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 21 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 38.802778, -121.767500 (est)
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Zamora, CA
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B, registration: N502WC
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.
14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural
Accident occurred Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Zamora, CA
Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502B, registration: N5044N
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On July 23, 2016, about 0745 Pacific daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N502WC, and an Air Tractor AT-502B, N5044N, collided in-flight near Zamora, California. N502WC was operated by Farm Air under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. N5044N was operated by Growers Air Service, and was operated as an aerial application flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and company flight plans had been filed for both flights.
The pilot of N502WC had finished spraying mosquito repellant, and was traveling eastbound en route to Farm Air's base.
The pilot of N5044N had finished spraying a rice field, and was traveling southbound en route to Growers Air Service.
The pilot of N5044N was interviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge (IIC). The pilot reported that he could not recall his altitude, and opined it would normally have been at least 500 feet agl. He stated that he observed N502WC on his right side traveling toward him when he maneuvered the airplane and ascended. However, N502WC made contact with the undercarriage of his airplane. N502WC subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot of N5044N stated that he was losing altitude and landed off airport in an open field.
The NTSB IIC, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and a representative from Air Tractor, Inc., responded to the accident sites. The accident sites were about a half mile from each other.
N502WC came to rest mostly intact in an organic rice field on a magnetic heading of 280 degrees. The vertical stabilizer and rudder separated from the empennage and has yet to be located. The propeller hub with propeller blades had separated and was located near the main wreckage. The top portion of the nose and the canopy for the cockpit had separated from the airplane. One of the main landing gear for N502WC remained attached to the airplane's undercarriage at its relative normal location.
N5044N landed in a plowed open field in an upright position. The airplane remained intact with the exception of the landing gear and spray equipment, which had separated from the airplane. The airplane came to rest on a 100-degree magnetic heading. Flight control continuity was established.
Both airplanes were recovered for further examination.
The Yolo County Coroner’s Office reported that Javone Logan Cowan was killed in the accident.
A second flier, who was unidentified, received relatively minor injures and went to Woodland Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, there are few other details to report of the crash that occurred at 7:45 a.m., according to the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, which turned over the investigation to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Efforts to contact those federal offices on Monday were unsuccessful.
According to the Sheriff’s Department the two crop duster airplanes crashed in the area of county roads 99E and 113, just north of Woodland and between Zamora and Knights Landing.
One pilot was pronounced dead on scene at 8:10 a.m. by Zamora volunteer firefighters who were the first to reach the second.
Other emergency workers were also requested initially to assist but later called off as more became known about the crash.
It is believed the planes are owned by Growers Air Service.
Whether the planes were carrying chemicals used to treat field crops is unknown. Initial reports from the scene indicated there was no spillage on the ground surrounding the crash. A boat was also requested to assist in getting to and from the scene, which was reported to be in a marshy area.
Source: http://www.dailydemocrat.com
The crop dusters crashed around 7:45 a.m. at County Road 99E and County Road 13 between Zamora and Knights Landing, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said. The crash happened on private property.
The other pilot survived the incident without any significant injuries, the sheriff's department said.
The crash was reported as a "mid-air collision," the sheriff's office said. However, no other details were available.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Source: http://www.kcra.com
Firefighters with the Zamora Volunteer Fire Department were first to arrive on the scene and declared one pilot dead at the crash site at 8:10 a.m.
A second pilot seemed unharmed and was taken to Woodland Memorial Hospital as a precaution.
Other emergency workers were also requested initially to assist, such as Woodland firefighters. However, some of those personnel were later called off as more became known about the crash.
It is believed the planes are owned by Growers Air Service.
Whether the planes were carrying chemicals used to treat field crops is unknown. Initial reports from the scene indicated there was no spillage on the ground surrounding the crash. A boat was also requested to assist in getting to and from the scene, which was reported to be in a marshy area.
The investigation has been turned over to Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Source: http://www.dailydemocrat.com
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