# NTSB DEN85LA161: Air Tractor AT-301, N2312U, Clovis, NM, June 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1985, 09:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Clovis, NM
- Coordinates: 34.410198, -103.200714 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4102&lon=-103.2007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16701
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16701/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA161

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly,other - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Nose over, landing
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AS THE PLT WAS PULLING UP OVER A POWER LINE AT THE END OF A SPRAY RUN, THE ENG LOST POWER & SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENG. THE PLT TURNED TO LAND IN A FIELD, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ALIGN THE ACFT WITH FORROWS. DURING A FORCED LANDING, THE ACFT NOSED OVER. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE #4 CYLINDER EXHAUST ROCKER ARM SHAFT WAS MISSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2312U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2312U-1999-04-02), registration cancelled 1999-04-02, S/N 301-0359 (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
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 lbs thrust reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Dana Stradlin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 8,903 total, 150 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F

## 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 19850617025809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850617025809A), Jun 17, 1985: Airtrc AT301, Clovis, NM, Substantial damage. Lost engine power during turn around maneuver. Flipped over after landing in field. Rocker arm shaft missing.

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.

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