Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Sacramento, CA — 2022-05-21

Final reportWPR21LA368
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Date
2022-05-21
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
Airport
CA07
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Registration
N8521V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful and was forced to land in a dry plowed field. The left wing was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right-side fuel tank was almost empty, and the left side fuel tank contained approximately 15 gallons of fuel. The Airplane Flight Manual for the airplane states that skidding turns below ½ tanks can transfer fuel from one tank to another, which will lead to engine flameout if one tank runs dry. Subsequently, the pilot stated that he should have completed a better visual inspection of the contents of both fuel tanks before takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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