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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 12, 2008 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N45029

Ida Grove, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ida Grove, IA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N45029
Operator
Styron Aerial Application
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA213

The pilot stated that the engine was producing 36 inches of manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm during the initial takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, he noticed the airplane was not climbing and the manifold pressure dropped to 28 inches or less. The pilot landed the airplane in a soybean field and after a ground roll of about 100 feet, the airplane contacted an embankment. The airplane twisted to the right and became airborne for a distance of approximately 100 feet prior to contacting the terrain and sliding to a stop. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the turbocharger blower had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

A failure of the turbocharger blower which resulted in the partial loss of power. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude of the airplane and the embankment.

Full Narrative

On August 12, 2008, at 1730 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N45029, collided with the terrain during an off airport forced landing in Ida Grove, Iowa. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to both wings and the aft fuselage. The aerial application flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed the Ida Grove Municipal Airport (IDG), Ida Grove, Iowa, just prior to the accident. The pilot stated that the engine was producing 36 inches of manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm during the initial takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, he noticed the airplane was not climbing and the manifold pressure dropped to 28 inches or less. The pilot landed the airplane in a soybean field and after a ground roll of about 100 feet, the airplane contacted an embankment. The airplane twisted to the right and became airborne for a distance of approximately 100 feet prior to contacting the terrain and sliding to a stop. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the turbocharger blower had failed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN45029
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStyron Aerial Application
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R1340AN-1 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time17:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data