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August 30, 1996 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N1558N

Plains, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Plains, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N1558N
Operator
Cooper Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA370

The pilot had completed a swath run, and was maneuvering for another swath run, when he experienced problems in controlling the airplane in a right turn. He reported 'the high wing (left wing) very violently came over the top like a snap roll.' This had occurred on the previous two right turns. On the third turn, he made an extended turn with 'plenty' of airspeed, and prevented the wing from going all the way over by applying full left forward stick and left rudder. The airplane descended rapidly. The pilot reported that the airplane 'stalled' just before impact; however, he stated it did 'not stall during the [right] turn.' The pilot also reported that the wind was out of the northeast at 5 knots gusting to 10 knots, and that he possibly encountered wind shear. Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical anomaly. Control continuity was established to all flight controls.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while maneuvering after a swath run, which subsequently resulted in a collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the adverse wind condition (gusty wind and possible windshear).

Full Narrative

On August 29, 1996, at 1930 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N1558N, registered to a private owner, operated by South Plains Aero as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Plains, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight originated from Terry County Airport, Brownfield, Texas, at 1900. According to the pilot he was spraying a field oriented northwest to southeast. During a right turn on the west side of the field, "the high wing (lt. wing) very violently came over the top like a snap roll." He reported having the same experience on the previous two right turns on the west side. On the third right turn he made an extended turn with "plenty" of airspeed, and prevented the wing from going all the way over by applying full left forward stick, and left rudder. The airplane descended rapidly. The pilot also reported that the airplane "stalled" just prior to impact; however, he stated it did not stall during the right turn. The pilot reported that the wind was out of the northeast at 5 knots gusting to 10 knots, and he possibly encountered wind shear. Examination of the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed that the airplane was in an upright position with its engine inverted. The left main landing gear was separated, and the fuselage was wrinkled. Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical anomalies. Control continuity was established to all flight controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN1558N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCooper Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind45° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data