Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the rising terrain.
NTSB analysis
After arriving at the steep hillside field to which he was going to apply chemicals, the pilot maneuvered at low level over the field in an attempt to determine the best pattern to fly to accomplish the job. During that process he inadvertently allowed the airplane to get into a position from which it was not able to climb over the rising terrain. Although he dumped his chemical load and leveled the airplanes wings, the airplane impacted the terrain about 75 feet below the top of a ridge.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 27, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waitsburg, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor AT-502
- N-number
- N1519U
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Other records under this N-number
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.