# NTSB FTW82DA286: Air Tractor AT-301, N4448S, Rio Hondo, TX, July 14, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1982, 11:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Rio Hondo, TX
- Coordinates: 26.230117, -97.579742 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2301&lon=-97.5797&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 July 14, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72393
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA286
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72393/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA286

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - eng assembly,blower/impeller/integral supercharger - failure,partial (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD OF TALL COTTON. AFTER LANDING IN THE COTTON FIELD WITH FOUR-FOOT-HIGH STALKS, THE PILOT AS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE PLANE WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A BLOWN SEAL IN THE ENGINE SUPER CHARGER BLOWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4448S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4448S-2012-11-09), registration cancelled 2012-11-09, S/N 301-0078, built 1977 (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)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 301-0078
- Airframe hours: 2316
- Engines: P & W R-1340-AN-1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Burke Flying Service
- Registered owner: Burke Flying Service
- Departed: XS64, RIO HONDO, TX
- Destination: XS64, RIO HONDO, TX
- Airport: XS64, Burkes Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 12,250 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 275 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 199 °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 19820714032829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820714032829A), Jul 14, 1982: Airtrc AT301, Rio Hondo, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit after lift off. Accident occurred during emergency landing in cotton field.

## Other investigations on N4448S (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 FTW89DRG08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG08), Jun 27, 1989: Air Tractor AT-301 (N4448S), Rio Hondo, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS.

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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