Accident Air Tractor AT-400 N3159W, Friday 2 June 1989

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Date:	Friday 2 June 1989
Time:	14:15 LT
Type:	Air Tractor AT-400
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N3159W
MSN:	0474
Total airframe hrs:	3755 hours
Engine model:	P&W PT6-15AG
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Poplar Bluff, MO - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	Poplar Bluff, MO (POF
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, THE COMMERCIAL PLT FLEW UNDER POWER LINES. THE NEUTRAL STABILIZER FAILED TO CLEAR THE LINES WHICH CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE EMPENNAGE. THE PLT SAID THE RUDDER WAS INOPERABLE SO HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A STRAIGHT AHEAD EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FARM FIELD. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE LANDING GEAR AND WINGS.

Probable Cause: THE PILOT IN COMMAND MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE OF THE AIRCRAFT'S VERTICAL STABILIZER FROM THE POWER LINES.

Accident investigation: