Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 near Corning, AR — 2009-04-07

Final reportCEN09LA239
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Date
2009-04-07
Location
Corning, AR, USA
Airport
4M9
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301
Registration
N36597
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the failure of the number one engine cylinder for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was on departure from initial takeoff when the engine "popped" several times and stopped producing power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a rice field off the departure end of the runway. The pilot found the number one cylinder head cracked during a postaccident examination of the airplane. Additional examination of the airplane revealed damage to the left aileron and both horizontal stabilizers. Additional examination of the cracked cylinder head could not be accomplished and a cause of the failure was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to take off after engine issues were noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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