Probable cause
The pilot's failure to avoid the metering loop pole during an aerial application.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that on his first spray pass of a cornfield during an aerial application, he misjudged the distance of the airplane to a metering loop pole. The right wing of the airplane impacted the metering loop pole, which resulted in damage to the right wing.
The pilot further reported that he decided to land to evaluate the damage and that the subsequent landing was uneventful.
The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA332 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lazbuddie, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Thrush Aircraft Inc S2R
- N-number
- N127PB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2009
- 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.