Pilot Debrief

WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620A near Van Horn, TX — 2015-06-14

Final reportCEN15LA272
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Date
2015-06-14
Location
Van Horn, TX, USA
Aircraft
WEATHERLY AVIATION CO INC 620A
Registration
N4659N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting agricultural spray operations and had completed two runs. During the third spray run, the engine lost power. The pilot dumped the load and then conducted a forced landing. A postcrash fire consumed the majority of the cockpit. The pilot reported that about 47 to 48 gallons of fuel was on board the airplane when he started the first run. An on-scene examination was not conducted, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before starting third run.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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