Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-401 near Natchez, LA — 2014-08-24

Final reportCEN14LA450
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Date
2014-08-24
Location
Natchez, LA, USA
Airport
RRDI
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-401
Registration
N91968
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of power due to the failure of the No. 2 exhaust valve and rocker boss during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during climbout for an agricultural flight, about 75 feet above the runway, he heard a loud "pop," and the engine started to lose power. He dumped the 250 gallons of chemical that weighed about 2,000 pounds. The airplane continued to lose altitude, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cotton field. A postimpact engine fire ensued, consuming the airplane. An examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust rocker boss was cracked, which likely allowed oil to escape, which led to the loss of engine power and the subsequent fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after hearing the loud 'pop'.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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