Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he flew under power lines, climbed, and then made a 180ยบ left turn to the south for another low-level pass. While approaching the field, the airplane struck the power lines and then impacted terrain. The pilot added that he forgot the wires were there and did not see them on the pass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the tail cone. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA303 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rockford, Ohio
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT502
- N-number
- N60518
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1996
- 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.