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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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August 5, 2008 · Air Tractor 301 · N3161A

Herreid, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Herreid, SD
Aircraft
Air Tractor 301
Tail Number
N3161A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA245

The pilot returned for landing in the tailwheel configured airplane after an agricultural application flight. He executed a normal landing on runway 12 (2,230 feet by 200 feet, asphalt/turf) and kept the tail up as long as possible as the airplane slowed. The pilot stated that when the tailwheel touched down it felt as if the tail was dragging on the ground and the airplane drifted to the right. He applied opposite rudder but was unable to stop the drift. He subsequently applied the brakes, which spun the airplane around and brought it to a stop partially off the runway. The pilot reported that after the accident he observed a bolt securing the tailwheel had failed. The bolt was discarded and was not available for further examination. The pilot commented that he will proactively inspect and replace the tailwheel bolts before each spray season.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of one of the tailwheel bolts on landing and the pilot's subsequent inability to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

The pilot returned for landing in the tailwheel configured airplane after an agricultural application flight. He executed a normal landing on runway 12 (2,230 feet by 200 feet, asphalt/turf) and kept the tail up as long as possible as the airplane slowed. The pilot stated that when the tailwheel touched down it felt as if the tail was dragging on the ground and the airplane drifted to the right. He applied opposite rudder but was unable to stop the drift. He subsequently applied the brakes, which spun the airplane around and brought it to a stop partially off the runway. The pilot reported that after the accident he observed a bolt securing the tailwheel had failed. The bolt was discarded and was not available for further examination. The pilot commented that he will proactively inspect and replace the tailwheel bolts before each spray season.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:45 MDT
Nearest AirportHerreid Muni (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length2320 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor 301
Tail NumberN3161A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data