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September 28, 2023 · Air Tractor AT-802 · N445HA

Herington, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 28, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Herington, KS
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-802 (2016)
Tail Number
N445HA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA425

The flight instructor in the rear seat reported that during the landing roll the tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane turned right. He applied full left rudder and attempted to apply left brake, but when the left rudder and left brake were both applied, the top of the pedal toe brake contacted the spray control lever pushrod, preventing full braking. The airplane continued off the right side of the runway, where the airplane impacted a ditch and sustained substantial damage to the wings. Postaccident examination revealed that the front-seat rudder/brake pedals were found to move to their full range of motion without interference. The rear-seat rudder/brake pedals were found in the forward adjustment position. With full left rudder deflection, the left brake pedal’s range was restricted by the upper spray valve control pushrod. There were no other mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The design of the spray valve control lever and left rear rudder pedal in the forward adjustment position restricted the left rudder and brake pedal, which resulted in a loss of control during landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The design of the spray valve control lever, which restricted the range of the left rear rudder and brake pedal and resulted in a loss of control during landing.

Full Narrative

On September 28, 2023, about 1130 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-802 airplane, N445HA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Herington Regional Airport (HRU), Herington, Kansas. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor, who was in the rear seat, stated that during landing as they slowed to 35 to 40 mph, the tailwheel unlocked, and the airplane turned right. The flight instructor applied full left rudder and attempted to apply the left toe brake, but the brake pedal was restricted from moving forward. When left rudder and left brake were applied, the top of the pedal contacted the spray control lever pushrod and full brake could not be applied. The airplane continued off the right side of the runway. The airplane impacted a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. Postaccident examination revealed that the front-seat rudder/brake pedals could move through their full range of motion without interference. The rear-seat rudder/brake pedals were found in the forward adjustment position. With the rear pedals in the forward position, the left rear brake pedal range was restricted by the upper spray valve control pushrod, preventing the application of full left brake from the rear seat. There were no other mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The upper spray valve push rod was installed in the airframe by Air Tractor during the original production of the airplane. Air Tractor reported that there were 94 other airplanes affected by this design installation. As result of this investigation, on December 29, 2023, Air Tractor completed service letter (SL) 405, which was applicable to certain AT-802 airplanes with a spray valve control lever installed. The SL was issued due to the spray valve control valve pushrod’s interference with the left rear rudder pedal, which reduced controllability and could lead to an accident. The interference was only possible when the left rear rudder pedal is in the forward adjustment position (Figure 1). This interference prevents simultaneous application of full left rudder and left brake when operated from the rear seat. This control restriction could lead to a loss of control causing significant injury and aircraft damage. Placement of the rear rudder pedals in the rear adjustment position is a temporary solution that will allow full, simultaneous application of left rudder and left brake. Figure 1. Air Tractor photo and labels of the rudder pedal restriction with spray valve control lever pushrod (Courtesy of Air Tractor SL 405). As result of this investigation, on April 25, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration issued special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) 2024-03, “Rudder Control System,” which recommended that all affected operators modify the rear cockpit rudder pedal adjustment in accordance with Air Tractor, Inc. Service Letter 405.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest AirportHerington Rgnl (0.5nm SSE)
Runway35
Runway Length4184 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-802
Tail NumberN445HA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6-65AG · Turboprop · 1220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 38 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time11:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data