Air Tractor Inc AT-802A N523BB accident near Newellton, Louisiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines/poles and terrain while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB analysis

Based on recorded data, the pilot of the aerial application flight maneuvered the airplane around the intended field to be sprayed prior to the accident. The wreckage was found near the field along with powerlines/poles, which exhibited features of an in-flight collision by the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal airplane operation. Based on the available evidence, the reason the airplane impacted the powerlines, poles, and terrain could not be determined.

The pilot’s cardiovascular disease placed him at increased risk of acute impairment and incapacitation. However, available medical evidence is insufficient to establish whether acute impairment or incapacitation occurred and in the absence of clear operational evidence, it could not be determined whether the pilot’s cardiovascular disease contributed to the crash.

Based on the available evidence, the reason the airplane impacted the powerlines, poles, and terrain could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA113 for the full record.