Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tower guy wires while maneuvering during a low-level aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while performing aerial application work at a low altitude, he became distracted by looking at a map and not focused on a nearby tower with guy wires. When the pilot looked up, he realized he did not veer far and high enough away from the tower guy wires. The airplane struck the guy wires and impacted the terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the accident might have been prevented if he had completed a better pre-application briefing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA175 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 1, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- England, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-802A
- N-number
- N8515G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.