Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502 near Tahoka, TX — 2017-05-04

Final reportCEN17LA190
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Date
2017-05-04
Location
Tahoka, TX, USA
Airport
2F4
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT 502
Registration
N144HF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot of the aerial application flight reported that he had flown several flights in the morning and the airplane was operating normally. Before the final flight of the day, while the airplane was being loaded with product, he heard a noise, but all engine gauges appeared normal. He taxied down the runway and took off. About 30 ft above the ground, the airplane started making more noise and the engine was surging. The pilot attempted to add more power, but the engine did not respond. As the pilot was about to dump the chemical load, the airplane veered to the left and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited the airplane, a postcrash fire ensued. Detailed examination of the engine was not possible due to the severe fire damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing noise during taxi.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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