# NTSB CHI98LA108: Air Tractor AT-401, N1524H, Steele, MO, March 23, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 23, 1998, 11:45 local (17:45 UTC) - Place: Steele, MO - Coordinates: 36.080615, -89.839057 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0806&lon=-89.8391&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10839 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA108 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10839/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA108 ## Probable cause the pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout. A factor was the pile of gravel in the taxiway. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - other (contributing factor) - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - information insufficient, airport personnel ## Analysis The pilot reported that it was his first flight to the airport for the year. He reported the airport was used primarily by aerial applicator pilots. He reported the customary practice at the airport during the spraying season was for the airplanes to land on the taxiway and takeoff on the runway. He made a straight-in approach to the runway from the south. He landed on the taxiway and during the landing roll-out, the airplane hit a pile of gravel that had been dumped in the center of the taxiway, midway from the approach and departure ends of the taxiway. He reported that if he had made a standard downwind entry into the traffic pattern, he would have most probably seen the piles of gravel on the taxiway. The airport manager reported the gravel had been dumped on the taxiway for airport reconstruction that was in progress. The manager reported that there had not been much traffic at the airport recently. He reported that a NOTAM had not been issued for the closed taxiway. ## Factual narrative On March 23, 1998, at 1145 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N1524H, operated by Baker Flying, was substantially damaged. During landing rollout on a taxiway that was customarily used by aerial applicator pilots for landings, the airplane struck a pile of gravel that had been dumped on the taxiway. The commercial pilot was not injured. The CFR Part 137 flight had departed an airstrip near Caruthersville, Missouri, on a local flight, but diverted to the Steele Municipal Airport, Steele, Missouri, due to rain showers in the area. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that it was his first flight to the Steele Municipal Airport during the new spraying season. He reported the airport was used primarily by aerial applicator pilots. He reported the customary practice at the airport during the spraying season was for the airplanes to land on the taxiway and takeoff on the runway. He reported that he made a straight-in approach to the runway from the south. He landed on the taxiway and during the landing roll-out, the airplane hit a pile of gravel that had been dumped in the center of the taxiway, midway from the approach and departure ends of the taxiway. The pilot reported that he did not see the gravel because its color blended in with the color of the taxiway. The pilot reported that if he had made a standard downwind entry into the traffic pattern, he would have most probably seen the piles of gravel on the taxiway. The airport manager reported the gravel had been dumped on the taxiway for airport reconstruction that was in progress. The manager reported that there had not been much traffic at the airport recently. He reported that a NOTAM had not been issued for the closed taxiway. The airport manager reported that the runway was closed at night since the runway lights were disconnected due to the construction. No NOTAM had been issued for the runway closing at night. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1524H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1524H-2020-05-01), registration cancelled 2020-05-01, S/N 401-0844, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-401 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-401](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-401) (registry code 0390204) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Walter M601 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/walter-m601-series) (registry code 64002, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 401-0844 - Airframe hours: 2500 - Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Baker Flying - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: CARUTHERSVILLE, MO - Destination: M12 - Airport: M12, Steele Municipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 6,500 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 70 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 6 knots - Visibility: 4 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: POF, 55 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19980323004199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980323004199A), Mar 23, 1998: Airtrc AT401, Steele, MO, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot reported that it was his first flight to the airport for the year. He reported the airport was used primarily by aerial applicator pilots. He… ## Other investigations on N1524H (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB SEA00LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA073), Apr 14, 2000: Air Tractor AT-401 (N1524H), Acequia, ID, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain adequate clearance with the irrigation system during initial climb. A contributing factor was the irrigation pivot. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.