Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR AT502 near Minter City, MS — 2009-07-31

Final reportERA09LA431
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Date
2009-07-31
Location
Minter City, MS, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR AT502
Registration
N60237
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was on his fourth aerial application of the day, with a load of 430 gallons of fungicide. He departed to the northeast and turned west. He said everything was normal until he got closer to the pecan orchard that he was planning to spray. As he got closer to the trees, the airplane began to "mush" and started shaking. He said he "hit" the dump lever, but not hard enough to activate it. The airplane then descended and impacted the trees. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot stated that the engine was operating continuously, but he was not able to clear the pecan trees.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different flight path to avoid trees.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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