Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 near Colome, SD — 2013-06-26

Final reportCEN13LA375
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Date
2013-06-26
Location
Colome, SD, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301
Registration
N3168X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident engine run revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the start of his third spray pass, he cleared the telephone wires located at the edge of the field. Once over the field, he immediately noticed the engine power reduce. He attempted to pull back on the control stick to gain altitude, but the airplane's tail and right wing struck the field. During the forced landing roll, the right landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. No water was found in the fuel system, and the weather conditions were not conducive for carburetor icing. A postaccident engine run was conducted, and no anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the spray pass after noticing power reduction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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