Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power wires during agricultural application operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during an agricultural application flight, he attempted to fly the airplane underneath power wires, but the airplane struck one of the wires. The airplane descended into a cornfield and then came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage. 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 GAA19CA502 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 16, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Onida, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT502
- N-number
- N500KA
- 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.