Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from utility wires during low altitude maneuvers.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of an Air Tractor AT-402B stated that he was making east and west passes above a cornfield, maneuvering under power lines at one end. On his last pass, the vertical stabilizer contacted a power line, shearing the upper section of the stabilizer and the entire rudder. The pilot was able to land the airplane at a nearby airport without further incident. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 12, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Northwest Alabama Regional (MSL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-402B
- N-number
- N402BT
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.