Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT 602 near Weldon, AR — 2020-07-03

Final reportCEN20LA269
Sign in to save
Date
2020-07-03
Location
Weldon, AR, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 602
Registration
N602NY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

During an aerial application flight, the pilot was returning to the airplane’s base when the engine "spooled down” and lost total power. The pilot stated that, when the total loss of engine power occurred, the airplane was established in cruise flight at an altitude of about 400 ft above ground level. He was unable to restore engine power by moving the power and propeller levers to full forward and activating the fuel boost pump and ignitors. The pilot made a “firm” forced landing in an open field. The airplane made a ground loop, which caused the tailwheel to separate and resulted in substantial damage to the aft fuselage. Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed ample fuel remaining and no evidence of contamination. The engine operated normally during two postaccident ground tests. Thus, the reasons for the total loss of engine power during the accident flight could not be determined with the available evidence from the investigation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine gauges after power loss to assess situation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps