Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a windmill while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering over a field for the aerial application flight, the airplane’s wing struck a windmill that he did not see. The airplane subsequently collided with terrain and a postimpact fire ensued, which destroyed the airplane. 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 WPR21LA310 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Sumner, New Mexico
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-802A
- N-number
- N9197F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.