# NTSB FTW95LA213: Air Tractor AT-301, N3655Z, Caldwell, AR, May 19, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1995, 16:53 local (21:53 UTC)
- Place: Caldwell, AR
- Coordinates: 35.070075, -90.810729 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0701&lon=-90.8107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19431
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19431/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA213

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO A CRACK IN THE #4 CYLINDER. FACTORS WERE THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING AND PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT NOT POSSIBLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - engine assembly,cylinder - cracked (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT COMPLETED THE FIRST SWATH AND INITIATED A CLIMB TO REVERSE DIRECTION. WHILE THE AIRPLANE WAS IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE AT ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. DURING THE FORCED LANDING TO A WHEAT FIELD, THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT WING AND THE EMPENNAGE. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY AN FAA INSPECTOR REVEALED A CRACK IN THE #4 CYLINDER.

## Factual narrative

On May 19, 1995, at 1653 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N3655Z, was substantially damaged while maneuvering near Caldwell, Arkansas.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  The aircraft was being operated by Lindsey Ag-Air Inc., under Title 14 CFR Part 137.  The flight originated from McCollum private airstrip near Colt, Arkansas, at 1625.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed.

During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that he had completed the first swath and initiated a climb to reverse direction.  While the airplane was in a nose high attitude at about 200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power.  The pilot executed a forced landing to a wheat field.  During the landing, the aircraft sustained structural damage to the right wing and the empennage.

Examination by an FAA inspector revealed a crack in the #4 cylinder rocker box housing on the exhaust side.  See enclosed report from FAA inspector.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3655Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3655Z-2002-04-03), registration cancelled 2002-04-03, S/N 301-0299, built 1980 (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)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 301-0299
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Lindsey Ag-Air Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: PVT, COLT, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,300 total, 750 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 50 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 40 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 19950519012149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950519012149A), May 19, 1995: Airtrc AT301, Caldwell, AR, Substantial damage. Lost power in nose high turn around. Landed wheat field. Damaged wing landing. Cracked NR4 cyl rocker box housing.

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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