Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate survey of the aerial application field which resulted in a collision with a windmill.
NTSB analysis
During a pass of the aerial application flight, the airplane collided with a windmill at the edge of the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, the pilot stated he did not observe the windmill during his survey of the field prior to beginning the application to field.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA429 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 502B
- N-number
- N502NR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2012
- 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.