Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402A near Moffett, OK — 2024-10-01

Final reportCEN25LA002
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Date
2024-10-01
Location
Moffett, OK, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402A
Registration
N45472
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The tail wheel assembly’s fractured bolt which resulted in the pilot’s loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

During the landing roll on a dirt strip, the pilot felt the airplane’s tail section “bottom out”. The pilot lost rudder control, and the airplane veered off the strip into vegetation and ground looped. During the ground loop, the left wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. A postaccident examination of the airplane found that one of the bolts which secured the tail wheel spring to the tail wheel housing assembly had fractured. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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