Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 near Lyons, KS — 2013-05-08

Final reportCEN13LA265
Sign in to save
Date
2013-05-08
Location
Lyons, KS, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301
Registration
N23257
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's diverted attention after the door hinge failed and a piece of door glass struck the pilot, resulting in the airplane's descent into the crops and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

While leveling off the airplane at the start of an aerial application run, the pilot heard a loud bang and was struck on the shoulder by a piece of the right door's acrylic glass. The pilot was momentarily distracted after being struck, and the airplane settled into the crops. The crops slowed the airplane, and the pilot could not get the airplane to climb before it impacted terrain. An examination of the airplane revealed that the right door's hinge was cracked at the front and rear attach points. The broken hinge allowed the door to open in flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked door integrity before flight to prevent distraction.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps