Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR AT401 near Waterloo, IA — 2009-08-04

Final reportCEN09LA503
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Date
2009-08-04
Location
Waterloo, IA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR AT401
Registration
N60747
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had completed his first spray pass of the flight and was maneuvering for another pass when the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted a restart; however, it was unsuccessful. He elected to perform a forced landing to a corn field. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and empennage. Examination of the airframe, disassembly of the engine, and functional testing of the engine components showed no anomalies that precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted more thorough pre-flight engine checks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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