Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 near Bealeton, VA — 2026-05-01

Investigation ongoingERA26LA195
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Date
2026-05-01
Location
Bealeton, VA, USA
Airport
3VA3
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Registration
N602RH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On May 1, 2026, at 1230 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N602RH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bealeton, Virginia. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight. The pilot reported that he was conducting an aerial application flight over a farm field and had completed previous passes uneventfully. During his last pass, the propeller blades moved uncommanded into the feather position, which resulted in a loss of thrust. The airplane was at a low altitude, and the pilot could only maneuver to a short field to make a forced landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid overrunning the field. The airplane’s landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage was substantially damaged. The airplane’s engine continued to operate with the propeller rotating until it was shut down. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
View NTSB preliminary report

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