Air Tractor, Inc. AT-402A N1534D accident near Centralia, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the agricultural airplane stated that he did not remember many of the details leading to the accident. He stated that the accident flight occurred at midday; and therefore, he had flown other flights earlier. He stated that he remembered the airplane struck power lines estimated to be about 50 ft in height but did not recall any airplane performance parameters. The airplane impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA276 for the full record.