# NTSB FTW92DQG01: Air Tractor AT-301, N4334S, Lubbock, TX, August 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1992, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Lubbock, TX
- Coordinates: 33.530296, -101.789192 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5303&lon=-101.7892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18324
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92DQG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18324/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92DQG01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A DOWNWIND RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF. A FACTOR WAS THE TAILWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - fence
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD BEEN OPERATING OUT OF A 2,100 FOOT DIRT STRIP FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS WITH THE PREVAILING WINDS OUT OF THE SOUTH. THE WIND SHIFTED DIRECTION AS THE PILOT WAS PREPARING TO DEPART AND A DOWNWIND TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED. THE AIRCRAFT FAILED TO GAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES AT THE DEPARTURE END, AND IMPACT WAS MADE WITH A FENCE AND HIGH VEGETATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4334S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4334S-1999-04-28), registration cancelled 1999-04-28, S/N 301-0014 (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: 301-0014
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Pro-Agri Spraying
- Registered owner: Pro-Agri Spraying
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 15, 1991
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE
- Airport: NONE, Harris, runway 18, 2,100 × 25 ft, dirt

## 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: 2,640 total, 120 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBB, 12 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 19920825032959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920825032959A), Aug 25, 1992: Airtrc AT301, Lubbock, TX, Substantial damage. Windshifted. Tried to takeoff downwind. Struck fence and brush off end of runway.

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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