Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Williams, CA — 2011-11-08

Final reportWPR12LA032
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Date
2011-11-08
Location
Williams, CA, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Registration
N325BR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip, the engine began to surge, and erratic propeller rpm and engine torque readings were displayed on the engine instruments. The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn back to the departure airport, and about halfway through the turn, the engine lost complete power. The pilot initiated a forced landing in the direction of the departure airport and landed hard. A postaccident examination of the airframe and turbine engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was subsequently removed from the airframe and installed on an engine test stand. The engine was run at various power settings with no anomalies noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon initial engine surging.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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