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NTSB Report
July 28, 1996 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N8837S
Liberal, KS
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Liberal, KS
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N8837S
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI96LA258
While completing the last spraying pass, the pilot made a 270 degree right turn to spray the last area in the field. The pilot said he flew back through his prop wash and lost control of the airplane. The airplane impacted the terrain in a vertical angle.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot did not maintain aircraft control. A factor was a low altitude flight maneuver was performed.
Full Narrative
On July 27, 1996, at 1920 central daylight time (cdt), an Air Tractor AT-301, N8837S, owned and operated by a commercial pilot, was destroyed during a collision with terrain while conducting aerial spraying. The pilot reported serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed Liberal, Kansas, at 1845 cdt. According to the pilot's written statement, after spraying a field, the pilot made a 270 degree right turn to spray the last area of the field. The pilot stated, "When I reentered the field, I must have flown back through my prop wash causing me to lose control of the aircraft, causing me to hit the ground at a vertical angle."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN8837S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:56
Weather SourceWFAC