Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT802 near Columbus, MS — 2019-09-27

Final reportCEN19LA334
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Date
2019-09-27
Location
Columbus, MS, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT802
Registration
N801BF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power control for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during a chemical application pass over a field, he saw that the engine torque "had crept up." He attempted to reduce engine torque but noticed that the power lever "felt stuck." Shortly thereafter, he again tried to move the power lever. When it would not move, he increased pressure and it "broke free." The engine power decreased to idle, and the pilot's subsequent power lever inputs had no effect. The pilot then performed a forced landing, during which the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane cartwheeled before coming to rest upright on its landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Due to the severity of the damage to the forward section of the airplane, the cause for the momentary binding and subsequent loss of engine power control could not be established.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed immediately after noticing engine torque issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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