Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402A near Ganado, TX — 2012-04-02

Final reportCEN12CA221
Sign in to save
Date
2012-04-02
Location
Ganado, TX, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402A
Registration
N4544S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The improper positioning of the hopper vent, which allowed chemicals to escape and cover the airplane's windshield.

NTSB narrative

On the day before the accident, the pilot installed dry fertilizer equipment on the airplane. Later that afternoon, the pilot removed the dry fertilizer equipment and installed spray booms and a spray pump in preparation for dispensing a liquid chemical the next day. The following day, during the takeoff roll, chemicals started covering the windshield, and the windshield washer had no effect. The pilot lost all outside visual references and was unable to maintain level flight. The airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. Postaccident examination revealed that the hopper vent had not been turned around. The hopper was still pressurized and chemicals blew out of the hopper lid onto the windshield.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps