# NTSB DEN06LA097: Air Tractor AT-301, N4422S, Holcomb, KS, July 13, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 13, 2006, 09:40 local (14:40 UTC) - Place: Holcomb, KS - Coordinates: 38.097778, -100.96083 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0978&lon=-100.9608&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 28, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 64105 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN06LA097 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64105/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA097 ## Probable cause the partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - engine assembly - failure,partial - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis Prior to departure from the private asphalt airstrip, the airplane contained 50 gallons of fuel and 150 gallons of chemical. Approximately 70 feet above ground level (agl) during initial takeoff climb, the engine "started to miss and backfire, causing a loss of climb power." Due to power lines in the airplane's flight path, the pilot reduced throttle, extended full flaps, and initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane "landed fast," and impacted soft, rolling terrain. The magnetos were functionally tested and mechanical continuity throughout the engine was confirmed. The reason for the partial loss of engine power was not determined. ## Factual narrative On July 13, 2006, approximately 0940 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301 single-engine agricultural airplane, N4422S, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during initial take-off climb near Holcomb, Kansas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, prior to departure from the private asphalt airstrip, the airplane contained 50 gallons of fuel and 150 gallons of chemical. Approximately 70 feet above ground level (agl) during initial takeoff climb, the engine "started to miss and backfire, causing a loss of climb power." Due to power lines in the airplane's flight path, the pilot reduced throttle, extended full flaps, and initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane "landed fast," and impacted soft, rolling terrain. Examination of the airplane by a local mechanic revealed the fuselage was bent and the main landing gear crushed aft. The magnetos were functionally tested with no anomalies noted, and mechanical continuity throughout the engine was confirmed. The reason for the partial loss of engine power was not determined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4422S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4422S), registered now, S/N 301-0082 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-301 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-301) (registry code 0390103) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 301-0082 - Airframe hours: 6045 - Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Shawn D. Stapleton - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2006, 16 hours before - Departed: Holcomb, KS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 1, 2004; seat: single; flight hours: 2,900 total, 100 in this make and model, 2,812 as pilot in command, 450 in the last 90 days, 200 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: GCK, 15 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 20060713014119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060713014119A), Jul 13, 2006: Airtrc AT301, Holcomb, KS, Substantial damage. (-23) The aerial applicator had just taken off from a Private strip near Holcomb, KS at 10 am, when at approximately 70 ft AGL the engine started to run rough,… ## Other investigations on N4422S (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 IAD78FLT07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FLT07), Jul 18, 1978: Air Tractor AT301 (N4422S), Ridgely, TN, substantial damage 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.