# NTSB FTW86FRG20: Air Tractor AT301, N3168H, Taylor, TX, May 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1986, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Taylor, TX
- Coordinates: 26.309055, -98.350257 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.3091&lon=-98.3503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21969
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRG20
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21969/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRG20

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - vibration (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - throttle/power control - reduced, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - propeller - reduced, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

COMMERCIAL PILOT OF AN AIR TRACTOR AT301 ENROUTE TO BASE OF OPERATIONS AT TAYLOR, TX EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING AFTER EXPERIENCING SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE AIRCRAFT. LANDING WAS MADE TO A SOFT FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER DURING LANDING ROLL AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PILOT ESCAPED INJURY. EXAMINATION OF WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT ONE PROPELLER BLADE FAILED AT A POINT APPROXIMATELY 10 INCHES FROM THE BLADE TIP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3168H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3168H-2007-02-07), registration cancelled 2007-02-07, S/N 301-0563, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT301
- 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: 3010563
- Airframe hours: 558
- Engines: P&W R 1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Muse, Samuel Wayne
- Registered owner: Mid America Dromader
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 1, 1986, 24 hours before
- Departed: T-74, TAYLOR, TX
- Destination: T-74, TAYLOR, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 6,000 total, 160 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS, 22 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 19860521019079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860521019079A), May 21, 1986: Airtrc AT301, Taylor, TX, Substantial damage. Propeller blade tip separated. Aircraft flipped on landing. Inspection shows blade should have been scrapped.

## Other investigations on N3168H (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 FTW04LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA132), May 21, 2004: Air Tractor AT-301 (N3168H), Donna, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the high tension power lines.

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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