Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during a low-level maneuvering flight.
NTSB analysis
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he was spraying a field at a low altitude. He said that transmission wires were located near the beginning of the field. He said the airplane encountered an unexpected downdraft which shifted the flight path towards the wires. He unsuccessfully attempted to fly under the wires, but the airplane's propeller and vertical fin struck the wires. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, the vertical fin, and empennage. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot did not report any preimpact or mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA330 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Garwood, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-301
- N-number
- N5097S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.