Air Tractor Inc AT-602 N4196K accident near New Washington, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during an aerial application flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the aerial application airplane surveyed the field at a higher altitude prior to spraying. He determined that spraying north and south, while flying below high-tension lines, would require the least amount of maneuvering in the heavy airplane. The pilot flew the first pass uneventfully; however, during the second pass, the airplane’s rudder contacted a powerline. The rudder separated and the airplane landed sideways in the field, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA220 for the full record.