AIR TRACTOR AT-301A

Garwood, TX, June 19, 2008

Event Information

DateJune 19, 2008
Event TypeACC
LocationGarwood, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates29.43944, -96.48833
AirportANF Air Service
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberDEN08LA105
Event ID20080624X00898

Aircraft

MakeAIR TRACTOR
ModelAT-301A
Registration #N3166H
OwnerANF Air Service, Inc.
CategoryAIR
FAR Part137
Aircraft DamageDEST

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to the total failure of the number 2 cylinder.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 2008, approximately 1100 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301A, N3166H, registered to and operated by ANF Air Service, Inc., and piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when the it struck a levy and impacted terrain following a loss of power shortly after takeoff in Garwood, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, he was taking off from a private airstrip with a full load of fertilizer when he "lost the number 2 cylinder." Due to the loss of engine power, during the ensuing forced landing the pilot was unable to keep the airplane from striking a levy. Both main landing gears, hopper, gate box, fertilizer spreader, and tailwheel assembly were torn off. The left wing tip was bent, and the engine mount was broken. An examination of the airplane revealed the broken number 2 cylinder head. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No other anomalies were found.

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.

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