Crop duster killed when plane hits power lines

The pilot died when an Air Tractor AT-802A crashed during an aerial application flight near Newellton, Louisiana.

There are no known witnesses to the accident.

The wreckage, which was found by a passing motorist who reported it to law enforcement, was in a wooded area approximately 10 miles northwest of Newellton, and about 70 feet west of highway LA-888.

The field the pilot was intending to spray was to the east of LA-888. Power lines ran along the northern and western edges of the field.

Impact signatures were consistent with the airplane having hit two power distribution poles and lines along the western edge of the field.

Propeller strike marks were found at the center of the highway, followed by a 20 foot long ground scar that ran along the western edge of the highway.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines/poles and terrain while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB Identification: 102534

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This January 2021 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.