Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT 602 near Bunkie, LA — 2020-02-22

Final reportCEN20CA103
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Date
2020-02-22
Location
Bunkie, LA, USA
Airport
2LA4
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 602
Registration
N602BK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to lock the tailwheel before landing, which resulted in his loss of directional control during the landing roll, a runway excursion onto soft ground, and a subsequent ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing a straight-in approach and landing. The airplane touched down on the runway centerline, and it was under control. After the tailwheel settled onto the runway, the pilot applied the brakes and retarded the engine power to the beta range. Shortly after, the airplane began to swerve left. The pilot's efforts to maintain directional control were unsuccessful, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway, encountered soft ground, and ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, right wing, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot noted that he did not ensure that the tailwheel lock was engaged before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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