AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Gregory, AR — December 2, 2010
Event Information
| Date | December 2, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA098 |
| Event ID | 20101207X14639 |
| Location | Gregory, AR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.15222, -91.25916 |
| Airport | Private |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT-602 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot departed on this third aerial application flight for the day. Shortly after take-off, the engine lost power and the pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a field. During touchdown, the airplane landed hard and received substantial damage. After the accident, the pilot reported that this was the first flight since refueling the airplane. The pilot also added that he did not check the fuel supply, prior to refueling the airplane. An examination of the airplane and refueling tanks, after the accident, revealed water was present in the fuel.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.