Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402 near Perryton, TX — 2024-06-06

Final reportCEN24LA216
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Date
2024-06-06
Location
Perryton, TX, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402
Registration
N45123
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a low-level turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at too low of an altitude to recover.

NTSB narrative

The operator reported the pilot had completed the low-level aerial application work of applying liquid chemical to a grass field and the hopper was empty. During a right-hand turn, the pilot “turned too hard,” the airplane exceeded its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at an altitude too low to allow for recovery. The airplane came to rest upright in a wheat field, a postimpact fire ensued, and the pilot was able to egress from the cockpit. The airplane was destroyed by the postimpact fire. The operator reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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