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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

April 8, 2003 · Air Tractor AT- 401 · N4549N

Fellsmere, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fellsmere, FL
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT- 401
Tail Number
N4549N
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA03LA094

The pilot stated that he doesn't remember the accident, but he did report that during a spray run, he overshot the end of the field due to sun in his eyes. He also reported there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. According to the president of the Indian River Flying Service, Inc., the pilot was just starting to pull-up after completing a spray pass when the airplane collided with a tree then the ground. According to an officer with the Indian River County Sheriff Department, the airplane collided with a tree located in an open area, then impacted the ground. A debris path was scattered over a 300 to 350 yard area. The wreckage comprised of two large pieces, and a chemical odor was noted at the accident site.

NTSB Probable Cause

The poor in-flight planning by the pilot-in-command for his overhsooting the pull-up following a spray pass resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then terrain. Contributing to the accident was sunglare that the pilot encountered during the spray pass.

Full Narrative

On April 8, 2003, about 1920 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor 401, N4549N, registered to and operated by Indian River Flying Service, Inc., collided with a tree then the ground during an aerial application flight near Fellsmere, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 137 flight. The airplane was destroyed and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight originated about 15 minutes earlier from New Hibiscus Airpark, Vero Beach, Florida. The pilot stated that he doesn't remember the accident, but he did report that during a spray run, he overshot the end of the field due to sun in his eyes. He also reported there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. According to the president of the Indian River Flying Service, Inc., the pilot was just starting to pull-up after completing a spray pass when the airplane collided with a tree then the ground. According to an officer with the Indian River County Sheriff Department, the airplane collided with a tree located in an open area, then impacted the ground. A debris path was scattered over a 300 to 350 yard area. The wreckage comprised of two large pieces, and a chemical odor was noted at the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT- 401
Tail NumberN4549N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind140° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data