Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout resulting in the in-flight collision with a 40-foot-tall antenna.
NTSB analysis
The pilot noticed that during a low pass over a field, the aircraft was approaching the known location of a 40 foot-tall antenna. He initiated a right climbing turn to avoid the antenna, but the left wing collided with it. The airplane abruptly rolled left to the inverted position, and while attempting to correct, the airplane impacted the ground. Based on the antenna height and location from the nearest airport, the Federal Aviation Administration was not required to be notified of its construction.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA170 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 22, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Satartia, Mississippi
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT-502
- N-number
- N1520X
- 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.