Pilot Debrief

AIR TRACTOR AT802 near Atlantic Ocean — 2025-04-29

Final reportCEN25LA164
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Date
2025-04-29
Location
Atlantic Ocean, CA
Aircraft
AIR TRACTOR AT802
Registration
N4025K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The airplane’s impact with the ocean for undetermined reasons based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The float equipped airplane was en route on a ferry flight from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, to Santa Maria, Portugal, when 130 nautical miles east-southeast of St. John’s, the airplane disappeared from radar over the Atlantic Ocean. An emergency locator transmitter was activated shortly after. Search and rescue assets discovered one of the two pontoons, a plastic container containing a backpack, a seat cushion, and an empty life raft floating on the ocean surface in the vicinity where the airplane went missing. An oil slick was also observed on the water next to the pontoon. The search continued through the following day. The airplane and pilot have not been located. ADS-B information showed the airplane took off and climbed to approximately 6,000 ft msl and proceeded on an easterly heading. About 21 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported picking up ice and requested a higher altitude. He was cleared and climbed to 7,000 ft. About 35 minutes into the flight, the airplane made a slight right turn and proceeded east-southeast. About 1 hour and 6 minutes into the flight, the airplane began a 2,000 ft/min. descent to the ocean surface. Just before reaching the surface, the airplane made a 180o turn toward the west. ADS-B data ended 1 hour and 10 minutes after takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

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