Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a windmill tower while maneuvering at low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, his attention was focused "on a shed and electrical lines." While maneuvering to the north at a low altitude, the airplane's right wing collided with an unseen galvanized windmill tower. He reported that the tower had blended into the gray sky. He attempted to control the airplane, but it descended and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA352 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Liberal, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT402
- N-number
- N5044Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.