# NTSB FTW82DRG32: Air Tractor 301, N8523S, Mcallen, TX, May 14, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1982, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Mcallen, TX
- Coordinates: 26.209575, -98.229675 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2096&lon=-98.2297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 14, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71616
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DRG32
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71616/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DRG32

## 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,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, unknown
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN IT HIT A CANAL BANK AT THE END OF THE AIRSTRIP. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR, THE BLOWER SECTION FAILED WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8523S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8523S-2011-06-22), registration cancelled 2011-06-22, S/N 301-0135, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR 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: 301-0135
- Airframe hours: 1185
- Engines: PRATT/WHITNEY R-1340 585 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 137
- Operator: Troy Ledbetter
- Registered owner: Troy Ledbetter
- Departed: MCALLEN, TX
- Destination: MCALLEN, TX
- Airport: Airstrip, runway 9, 1,000 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 6,749 total, 488 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 176 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19820514018189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820514018189A), May 14, 1982: Airtrc AT301, Mcallen, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft crashed when engine failed shortly after takeoff.

## Other investigations on N8523S (3)

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 FTW95LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA028), Oct 21, 1994: Air Tractor AT-301 (N8523S), Lubbock, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT. A FACTOR WAS PILOT FATIGUE.
- [NTSB FTW85LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA039), Nov 8, 1984: Air Tractor AT-301 (N8523S), Mission, TX, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW81FRG36](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW81FRG36), May 17, 1981: Air Tractor AT-301 (N8523S), Pharr, TX, 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.

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