# NTSB FTW00LA257: Air Tractor 402B, N6174H, Segraves, TX, September 6, 2000

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 2000, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Segraves, TX
- Coordinates: 32.94049, -102.560821 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9405&lon=-102.5608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 17, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 50244
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW00LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/50244/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA257

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the irrigation system. A factor was the whirlwind weather condition.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - dust devil/whirlwind (contributing factor)
  - object - other
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

The pilot was applying chemical to a cotton field when the airplane encountered a 'large whirlwind.'  The aircraft impacted an irrigation system separating both main landing gear.  The pilot continued flying the airplane approximately one mile before executing a forced landing in a plowed field.

## Factual narrative

On September 6, 2000, at 1410 central daylight time, an Air Tractor 402B agricultural airplane, N6174H, was substantially damaged when it impacted an irrigation system while maneuvering near Seagraves, Texas.  The airplane was registered to and operated by McIntyre Spraying Service Inc., of Seagraves.  The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 aerial application flight.  The local flight originated from the Seagraves Airport at 1300.

According to the pilot, he was flying from east to west applying malathion to a cotton field when the airplane encountered a "large whirlwind."  The aircraft impacted an irrigation system separating both main landing gear.  The pilot continued flying the airplane approximately 1 mile before executing a forced landing in a plowed field.

An examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that both main landing gear separated from the airframe, the main wing carry-through spar was damaged, and the right wing spar was structurally damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6174H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6174H), registered now, S/N 402B-0994, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Air Tractor 402B
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-402B](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-402b) (registry code 0390208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52034, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 402B-0994
- Engines: P&W PT6-15AG 680 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Mcintyre Sparying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: F97, SEAGRAVES, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 16,000 total, 2,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 20000906014629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000906014629A), Sep 6, 2000: Airtrc AT402B, Seagraves, TX, No damage. (-23)The pilot was flying east, dispensing malathion on a cotton crop, when he collided with irrigation system. Pilot failed to see the irrigation sprinkler in…

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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