Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance, and the airplane struck a transmission line wire during aerial application operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that upon completion of an aerial application of fungicide, he made an end clean up pass. He reported that the airplane struck a transmission line wire that he did not see, and then impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 9, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hatch, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Weatherly Aviation Co Inc 620B
- N-number
- N2034P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1995
- 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.