Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR AT802 near Ullin, IL — 2011-07-22

Final reportCEN11LA544
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Date
2011-07-22
Location
Ullin, IL, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR AT802
Registration
N396LA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane’s engine surged and lost power during cruise flight. The pilot stated that he was unable to attain a climb rate and that the emergency procedures he used did not affect the surging or loss of engine power. The pilot landed the airplane on a field immersed in water. An examination of the engine and overspeed governor did not identify any anomalies that would account for surging or a loss of engine power. The internal corrosion found on examination of the overspeed governor was most likely due to its water immersion after the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed maintenance checks before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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