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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 15, 1996 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N1004W

Cash, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cash, AR
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N1004W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA251

The pilot reported that he had 'been operating the aircraft all day with no problems.' The airplane had landed for another load and was topped off with 60 gallons of 100LL fuel. While on the takeoff roll, the engine lost partial power. The pilot said that he estimated the engine power loss to be at about 50 percent. He 'was on a half mile airstrip with no time or field length for a shut down. I began to dump the load and tried to get [the] aircraft off [the] ground.' The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway and impacted a dirt bank which separated the landing gear from the aircraft. The airplane's engine was recently overhauled by an FAA certified repair station. The engine was removed from the airframe and test run at the repair station. According to the repair shop, the engine 'exhibited good oil pressures and was operated through all R.P.M./performance ranges and no abnormal characteristics were observed.' The owner's representative stated in a telephone interview with the investigator-in-charge that the power loss was the result of fuel contamination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 14, 1996, at 1945 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N1004W, registered to and operated by Morrison Aircraft Corporation under Title 14 CFR Part 137, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Cash, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight that was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he had "been operating the aircraft all day with no problems" and he had "carried 9 loads to the field." The airplane landed for another load and was topped off with 60 gallons of 100LL fuel in preparation for the next flight. The pilot reported that, while on takeoff roll, the engine lost partial power. The pilot said that he estimated the engine power loss to be at about 50 percent. The pilot stated that he "was on a half mile airstrip with no time or field length for a shut down. I began to dump the load and tried to get [the] aircraft off [the] ground." The airplane continued off the departure end of the runway and impacted a dirt bank which separated the landing gear from the aircraft. The airplane came to rest in a rice field, approximately 40 feet from the first impact point. The fuselage and both wings were structurally damaged. The airplane's engine was recently overhauled by an FAA certified repair station. The engine was removed from the airframe and test run. According to the facility that performed the test, the engine "exhibited good oil pressures and was operated through all R.P.M./performance ranges and no abnormal characteristics were observed." See enclosed report for details of the engine examination and test run. The owner's representative stated in a telephone interview with the investigator-in-charge that the power loss was the result of fuel contamination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN1004W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
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 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data