Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and subsequent failure to remain clear of power lines while maneuvering low to the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was preparing to spray a hay field when the airplane collided with the top set of power lines that were about 60 feet tall and impacted the ground. The operator said that this was the pilot's first time spraying this field and that the pilot was not familiar with the field or the surrounding obstacles. The operator reported that a stand of trees was opposite the power lines and that it was difficult to see the top wires as you approached the field because "they would get lost in the trees." Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA211 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 22, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Garfield, Kansas
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 502B
- N-number
- N51990
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.