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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 6, 2002 · Air Tractor AT-301 · N3164E

Memphis, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 6, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-301
Tail Number
N3164E
Operator
Baker Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA153

The pilot stated he experienced a rough running engine and elected to make a precautionary landing to a grass strip. He stated that he could not tell the grass on the runway was tall. On landing roll, the pilot lost directional control and ground looped as the airplane collided with the six-foot tall grass. The main landing gear was spread, the tail wheel separated, and both wings collided with the ground. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to make a precautionary landing to an unsuitable sod airstrip that resulted in a ground loop. A factor was tall vegetation.

Full Narrative

On August 6, 2002, about 1430 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N3164E, registered to a private owner, doing business as Baker Flying Service Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 137 agricultural flight, ground looped during a precautionary landing in the vicinity of Memphis, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Memphis, Tennessee at 1200. The pilot stated he experienced a rough running engine after making a swath run. The engine started to sputter, cleared, and started to sputter again. The pilot suspected water was in the fuel system, and he elected to make a precautionary landing to a grass strip located on President's Island instead of continuing the flight. The pilot stated he was nervous and felt he should land. He made an approach to the north, and did not notice the height of the grass on the runway. During the approach he observed a dusty road located to the left of the runway, but elected to continue to the grass runway. On landing rollout, the airplane encountered the high grass, and he experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane ground looped to the right. Examination of the airplane disclosed that the main landing gear was spread, the tail wheel assembly had separated, and the left and right wings sustained damage. Examination of the dirt road revealed that ample surface condition existed for a landing. A functional examination of the engine assembly was accomplished.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPresident'S Island (0nm N)
Runway360
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-301
Tail NumberN3164E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBaker Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1340-AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data