Pilot Debrief

Air Tractor AT-301B near Monticello, IA — 2008-08-13

Final reportCHI08CA251
Sign in to save
Date
2008-08-13
Location
Monticello, IA, USA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301B
Registration
N3161D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Poor preflight planning in that the pilot failed to assure an adequate fuel supply was on board for the flight which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude of the airplane when the loss of power occurred and the trees.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he completed the aerial application portion of the flight and was returning to the airport when the engine suddenly lost power. He stated he was at an altitude of about 200 feet above the ground and had no option but to land the airplane in the trees. The pilot reported he had approximately 75 gallons of fuel on board when he took off. The pilot stated the airplane typically consumed approximately 40 gallons per hour. The pilot reported to a police sergeant that he believed the airplane ran out of fuel. Inspection of the accident site revealed the fuel tanks were ruptured and empty. First responders to the accident site reported there was no odor of fuel having leaked from the airplane.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps