Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT-401 near Ida Grove, IA — 2008-08-12

Final reportCHI08CA213
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Date
2008-08-12
Location
Ida Grove, IA, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Registration
N45029
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A failure of the turbocharger blower which resulted in the partial loss of power. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude of the airplane and the embankment.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the engine was producing 36 inches of manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm during the initial takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, he noticed the airplane was not climbing and the manifold pressure dropped to 28 inches or less. The pilot landed the airplane in a soybean field and after a ground roll of about 100 feet, the airplane contacted an embankment. The airplane twisted to the right and became airborne for a distance of approximately 100 feet prior to contacting the terrain and sliding to a stop. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the turbocharger blower had failed.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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