Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 near Nekoosa, WI — 2011-08-04

Final reportCEN11FA562
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Date
2011-08-04
Location
Nekoosa, WI, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301
Registration
N4345S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine backfired and lost power during the initial climb after takeoff. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings during the forced landing. An engine teardown examination revealed a separation of three gear teeth on an intermediate gear located in the accessory section. The gear teeth exhibited signatures of overload failure; no evidence of fatigue failure was observed. Accordingly, separation of the gear teeth likely occurred during the forced landing and not as a result of a preimpact failure. No failures or malfunctions consistent with a preimpact loss of engine power were observed. At the time of the accident, carburetor icing was not probable when the airplane was under takeoff power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine backfire.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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