Probable cause
The pilot’s improper decision to continue flight in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in collision with the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he departed his private field for an agricultural application flight and flew northwest about 5 miles. He added that, as he approached the field that he had intended to spray, the visibility rapidly decreased. He began a 180° turn, but the visibility decreased to zero, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
An automated weather observation system about 13 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about 11 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 5 knots, and the cloud celling was overcast at 300 ft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA454 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 25, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Trumann, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 802
- N-number
- N802DL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2016
- 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.