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NTSB Report
June 21, 1995 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N4537L
Hearne, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hearne, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N4537L
Operator
Corpora Aerial Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW95LA256
THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB FROM AN AGRICULTURAL AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT'S VISION WAS RESTRICTED BY THE OIL COVERING THE WINDSHIELD. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR, DURING THE FORCED LANDING TO A COTTON FIELD, THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD AND CONTROL WAS LOST. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY THE OPERATOR REVEALED THAT THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS THE RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER. FACTORS WERE THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE FORCED LANDING AND THE PILOT'S RESTRICTED VISION DUE TO OIL ON THE WINDSHIELD.
Full Narrative
On June 21, 1995, at 1125 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N4537L, was destroyed during a forced landing near Hearne, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. According to the operator, the engine lost power during initial takeoff climb while departing an agricultural airstrip with a load of pesticides. He added that the pilot's windshield was covered with engine oil restricting the pilot's vision. He further stated that the airplane landed hard in a cotton field, followed by a loss of control. Post accident examination of the engine by the operator revealed that the loss of engine power was due to the failure of the number two cylinder.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN4537L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorCorpora Aerial Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC