Probable cause
The pilot improperly monitored the operating environment which resulted in a collision with a tree located in the middle of a field.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was applying insecticide to a soybean field when he heard a loud bang. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted terrain. The pilot, who momentarily lost consciousness, realized the loud bang was caused when the airplane impacted a tree located in the middle of the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Melville, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-502B
- N-number
- N41850
- 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.