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NTSB Report
April 2, 2012 · Air Tractor AT-402A · N4544S
Ganado, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ganado, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-402A
Tail Number
N4544S
Operator
Nelson Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA221
On the day before the accident, the pilot installed dry fertilizer equipment on the airplane. Later that afternoon, the pilot removed the dry fertilizer equipment and installed spray booms and a spray pump in preparation for dispensing a liquid chemical the next day. The following day, during the takeoff roll, chemicals started covering the windshield, and the windshield washer had no effect. The pilot lost all outside visual references and was unable to maintain level flight. The airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. Postaccident examination revealed that the hopper vent had not been turned around. The hopper was still pressurized and chemicals blew out of the hopper lid onto the windshield.
NTSB Probable Cause
The improper positioning of the hopper vent, which allowed chemicals to escape and cover the airplane's windshield.
Full Narrative
On the day before the accident, the pilot installed dry fertilizer equipment on the airplane. Later that afternoon, the pilot removed the dry fertilizer equipment and installed spray booms and a spray pump in preparation for dispensing a liquid chemical the next day. The following day, during the takeoff roll, chemical started covering the windshield. The windshield washer had no effect. The pilot lost all outside visual references and was unable to maintain level flight. The airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. Postaccident examination revealed the hopper vent had not been turned around. The hopper was still pressurized and chemical blew out of the hopper lid onto the windshield.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 CDT
Nearest AirportCoastal Flying Service (1nm)
Runway16
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width25 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAir Tractor AT-402A
Tail NumberN4544S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNelson Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PT6A-27 · Turboprop · 680
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time14:00
Weather SourcePILO