Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-401 near Victoria, TX — 2013-01-31

Final reportCEN13LA152
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Date
2013-01-31
Location
Victoria, TX, USA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-401
Registration
N9190B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The mechanical failure of the engine power section, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine started running roughly about 8 to 10 minutes into an agricultural application flight. He tried various magneto switch positions to troubleshoot the problem; however, the engine continued to lose power, so the pilot executed a forced landing in trees on flat terrain. Postaccident engine examinations revealed that the engine's propeller was locked in place due to a failure in the engine power section.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight engine check to identify issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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