Abstract

A 58-year-old retired factory worker and part-time farmer was killed when the tractor he was operating overturned into a creek and pinned him. At the time of the incident, the victim was mowing a pasture along a creek bed. The tractor was not equipped with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) or a seat belt. Attached to the tractor was a five foot bush hog. About 3:00 pm the day of the incident, the victim began mowing a 30 acre bottom land pasture by entering a gate at the east of the pasture. The victim drove in a westward direction across the center of the field toward the west end of the field. Along the south and west edges of the rectangular field was a creek and to the north a fence paralleling a public roadway. Having reached the near western end of the pasture, the victim began a cut parallel to the creek heading west with the left side of the tractor bordering the creek embankment. As the victim began the cut along the creek, the left front wheel went over the edge, causing the tractor to roll over to the left and turn over. The victim was pinned from the waist up under the left fender in six inches of water. The victim was alone at the time of the incident and was discovered two hours later by his father and a farm hand. Investigators concluded that in order to prevent future fatalities tractor owners and operators should:

  • Retro-fit tractors with Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS) and seatbelts
  • Maintain equipment in prime working condition
  • Assess terrain prior to beginning any operation involving equipment

Additionally, county officials should consider initiating a county-wide 911 emergency service

Document Type

Report

Release Date

12-19-1994

Incident Number

94KY144; 94KY14401

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