Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from power transmission lines during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that the pilot was conducting an agricultural application flight when the airplane struck power transmission lines. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain about 75 ft east of a state highway. The pilot sustained serious injuries and did not remember the details of the accident. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the transmission lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15LA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Archer City, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 502B
- N-number
- N120TF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.