# NTSB FTW87DRA07: Air Tractor AT-301, N36503, Anahuac, TX, July 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1987, 16:02 local (21:02 UTC)
- Place: Anahuac, TX
- Coordinates: 29.759689, -94.670738 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7597&lon=-94.6707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22192
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87DRA07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22192/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87DRA07

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - powerplant - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN IT ENCOUNTERED SOFT TERRAIN AND FLIPPED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE FORCED LANDING WAS EXECUTED FOLLOWING A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENG POWER DURING A SWATH RUN ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT. THE CAUSE OF THE ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED DURING THE INVESTIGATION. THE ENG HAD MADE A POPPING SOUND AND SMOKE HAD COME FROM THE AREA OF # 1 & 2 CYLINDERS. THE ACFT HAD A TOTAL TIME OF 1794 HOURS WITH 829 HOURS SINCE OVERHAUL. THE ACFT WRECKAGE WAS DISPOSED OF BEFORE AN ENG TEARDOWN WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N36503](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N36503-2001-03-21), registration cancelled 2001-03-21, S/N 301-0258 (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
- Serial number: 301-0258
- Airframe hours: 1794
- Engines: P&W R-1340-ANI 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Gulf Coast Flying Service
- Registered owner: Gulf Coast Flying Service Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 10, 1987, 198 hours before
- Departed: TOO, ANAHUAC, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 8,700 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 200 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19870714034649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870714034649A), Jul 14, 1987: Airtrc AT301, Anahuac, TX, Substantial damage. Engine failed due to a broken cylinder during a spray run. Nosed over on the forced landing.

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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