Low Altitude Operation/Event: Air Tractor AT-502B, N60518; accident occurred May 31, 2019 in Rockford, Mercer County, Ohio

View of damaged left wing and tailcone. 

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbus, Ohio

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms 
 
https://registry.faa.gov/N60518

Location: Rockford, OH
Accident Number: GAA19CA303
Date & Time: 05/31/2019, 1930 EDT
Registration: N60518
Aircraft: Air Tractor AT502
Aircraft Damage:Substantial 
Defining Event: Low altitude operation/event
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he flew under power lines, climbed, and then made a 180º left turn to the south for another low-level pass. While approaching the field, the airplane struck the power lines and then impacted terrain. The pilot added that he forgot the wires were there and did not see them on the pass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the tail cone. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.

Findings

Personnel issues
Monitoring environment - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Wire - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Maneuvering-low-alt flying
Low altitude operation/event (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 45, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/08/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/21/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2684 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1122 hours (Total, this make and model), 2273 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 22.8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Air Tractor
Registration: N60518
Model/Series: AT502 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted
Serial Number: 502B-0346
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:1 
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/11/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 8000 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Prop
Airframe Total Time: 8261 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Pratt and Whitney
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: PT6-34AG
Registered Owner: Neal Aircraft Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: Neal Aircraft 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: KVNW, 781 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2315 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 9°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Light and Variable /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point:
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Van Wert, OH (VNW)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Van Wert, OH (VNW)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1830 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G 

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: 40.614167, -84.000000 (est)

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a plane crash that happened on Friday night.

According to the Wapakoneta post of the OSHP, the 1996 Air Tractor plane crashed just before 7:30 Friday evening west of SR 118 and north of Oregon Road in Mercer County.

Through the investigation, it was discovered that the plane was being operated by 46 year-old Aaron Philips of Kansas when he struck high tension power lines. The plane lost control and crashed in a plowed field. Phillips was able to get out of the aircraft and was taken to Coldwater hospital by Rockford EMS.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB have been contacted and will also be investigating the crash.

Original article ➤ https://www.hometownstations.com

MERCER COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - Troopers from the Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a plane crash.

According to a release, the crash happened, just before 7:30 pm Friday night, west of State Route 118 and north of Oregon Road in Mercer County. 

Through an investigation, it was found that a yellow 1996 Air Tractor AT-502B plane was being operated by Aaron Phillips, 46, of Redfield, Kansas. The plane was traveling south from Fetters Road and hit power lines, causing it to lose control and crash into a plowed field.

Phillips exited the plane by himself and was transported to Coldwater Hospital with minor injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash.

Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.wkbn.com