Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree limb during a low-level aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was flying an aerial application pass to a rice field when the right wing struck a tree limb at the edge of the field. After the collision, the airplane was “descending slowly and trying to roll.” He executed a forced landing to an open field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA005 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 2, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Egypt, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Over The Top Aviation (9AR9)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT402
- N-number
- N4540F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1990
- 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.