# NTSB FTW89DRA04: Air Tractor AT-502, N7320C, Ganado, TX, April 19, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1989, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Ganado, TX
- Coordinates: 29.040813, -96.50917 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0408&lon=-96.5092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22717
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DRA04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22717/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRA04

## Probable cause

LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- Main gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,main gear attachment - overload

## Analysis

AS THE PILOT WAS LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE RIGHT, THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR & STRUT SEPARATED, AND THE AIRCRAFT SETTLED ON THE LEFT WING. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE RIGHT BRAKE LOCKED, WHICH CAUSE THE AIRCRAFT TO YAW TO THE RIGHT. A POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE RIGHT BRAKE DID NOT REVEAL ANY REASON FOR THE BRAKE TO LOCK. THE WHEEL WAS FREE TO ROTATE & THE MASTER CYLINDER APPEARED TO BE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7320C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7320C), registered now, S/N 502-0015, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT-502
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-502](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-502) (registry code 0390303) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-canada-pt6a-60a) (registry code 52043, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 502-0015
- Airframe hours: 846
- Engines: P&W PT6A-34AG 783 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Kubecka Flying Service
- Registered owner: Kubecka, Daniel P.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 16, 1988, 152 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 11,000 total, 800 in this make and model, 11,000 as pilot in command, 804 in the last 90 days, 250 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VCT, 25 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 19890419009399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890419009399A), Apr 19, 1989: Airtrc AT502, Ganado, TX, Substantial damage. Swerved on landing roll. Side load severed left gear and damaged wing. Blamed brake locked. No defects found.

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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