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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 21, 2022 · Air Tractor AT-602 · N8521V

Sacramento, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sacramento, CA
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-602 (2004)
Tail Number
N8521V
Operator
Farm Air Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA368

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful and was forced to land in a dry plowed field. The left wing was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right-side fuel tank was almost empty, and the left side fuel tank contained approximately 15 gallons of fuel. The Airplane Flight Manual for the airplane states that skidding turns below ½ tanks can transfer fuel from one tank to another, which will lead to engine flameout if one tank runs dry. Subsequently, the pilot stated that he should have completed a better visual inspection of the contents of both fuel tanks before takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during an aerial application flight, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful and was forced to land in a dry plowed field. The left wing was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right-side fuel tank was almost empty, and the left side fuel tank contained approximately 15 gallons of fuel. The Airplane Flight Manual for the airplane states that skidding turns below ½ tanks can transfer fuel from one tank to another, which will lead to engine flameout if one tank runs dry. Subsequently, the pilot stated that he should have completed a better visual inspection of the contents of both fuel tanks before takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportScheidel Ranch Airport (1.8nm E)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-602
Tail NumberN8521V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFarm Air Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6A · Turboprop · 1050
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point18 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data