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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 15, 1996 · Air Tractor AT-502 · N4540C

Texarkana, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Texarkana, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-502
Tail Number
N4540C
Operator
Garland Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA148

During an application run the engine lost power. The pilot reported that there was 'not enough field left to land' and that the aircraft could not make it over the trees at the end of the field. The aircraft impacted the trees and came to a stop in a small field. Examination of the fuel system revealed a foreign substance in the main fuel filter. The fuel tank sump drain was leaking fuel and fuel was found in all fuel lines and the fuel control. A postaccident examination and teardown of the engine was completed on 4/4/96, and no anomalies were found that would prevent normal engine operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On March 15, 1996, at 0950 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N4540C, operated by Garland Aviation, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Texarkana, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. In an interview with the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the engine lost power during an application run. He further reported that there was "not enough field left to land" and that the aircraft could not make it over the trees at the end of the field. The aircraft impacted the trees and came to a stop in a small field. Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that the left wing was structurally damaged and the right wing was separated from the fuselage. Examination of the fuel system revealed a foreign substance in the main fuel filter. The fuel tank sump drain was leaking fuel and fuel was found in all fuel lines and the fuel control. A post accident examination and teardown of the engine was completed on April 4, 1996. No anomalies were found that would prevent normal engine operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-502
Tail NumberN4540C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGarland Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A-15AG · Turboprop · 680
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 2 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data