AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602
Bealeton, VA, May 1, 2026
Event Information
| Date | May 1, 2026 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Bealeton, VA |
| Country | USA |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA26LA195 |
| Event ID | 20260504202924 |
Aircraft
| Make | AIR TRACTOR INC |
| Model | AT-602 |
| Registration # | N602RH |
| Operator | Matt Crabbe Aviation |
| Owner | MID ATLANTIC AG LLC |
| 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 |
Full Narrative
On May 1, 2026, at 1230 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N602RH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bealeton, Virginia. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight.
The pilot reported that he was conducting an aerial application flight over a farm field and had completed previous passes uneventfully. During his last pass, the propeller blades moved uncommanded into the feather position, which resulted in a loss of thrust. The airplane was at a low altitude, and the pilot could only maneuver to a short field to make a forced landing. Upon touchdown, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid overrunning the field. The airplane’s landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage was substantially damaged. The airplane’s engine continued to operate with the propeller rotating until it was shut down.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
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.