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March 27, 2015 · Air Tractor AT 602 NO Series · N20062

Ropesville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 27, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ropesville, TX
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT 602 NO Series (2011)
Tail Number
N20062
Operator
Pro Agri Spraying
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA023

During an aerial application flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the commercial pilot departed the airstrip with a full load of insecticide, but then realized the airplane was equipped with improper spray nozzles, and returned to the airstrip. Considering the fully loaded configuration, the pilot made one low approach and reported that everything felt normal. On the next approach the pilot touched down on the dirt portion of the runway, applied beta (reverse thrust), and immediately the airplane began yawing to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake but the airplane continued to yaw left. According to the pilot, the tailwheel was not down when beta was applied, which contributed to the subsequent loss of directional control. The airplane exited the runway to the left and bounced over several crop rows causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The propeller dug into the ground and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and right wing. When the airplane came to rest on its back, the pilot remained strapped in, upside down with his helmet on and visor down. The insecticide chemicals immediately began pouring over his face and he had the sensation that he was drowning. The pilot was able to release his seat belt and crawl out of the airplane through the emergency door. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

During an aerial application flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the commercial pilot departed the airstrip with a full load of insecticide, but then realized the airplane was equipped with improper spray nozzles, and returned to the airstrip. Considering the fully loaded configuration, the pilot made one low approach and reported that everything felt normal. On the next approach the pilot touched down on the dirt portion of the runway, applied beta (reverse thrust), and immediately the airplane began yawing to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake but the airplane continued to yaw left. According to the pilot, the tailwheel was not down when beta was applied, which contributed to the subsequent loss of directional control. The airplane exited the runway to the left and bounced over several crop rows causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The propeller dug into the ground and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and right wing. When the airplane came to rest on its back, the pilot remained strapped in, upside down with his helmet on and visor down. The insecticide chemicals immediately began pouring over his face and he had the sensation that he was drowning. The pilot was able to release his seat belt and crawl out of the airplane through the emergency door. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest AirportPro-Agri Spraying (0nm E)
RunwayE/W
Runway Length3920 ft
Runway Width20 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT 602 NO Series
Tail NumberN20062
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPro Agri Spraying
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A-65AG · Turboprop · 1050
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data