# NTSB FTW95LA362: Air Tractor AT-301, N3169U, Dalhart, TX, August 22, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1995, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Dalhart, TX
- Coordinates: 36.059253, -102.50933 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0593&lon=-102.5093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19555
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA362
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19555/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA362

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot was taking off from the grassy edge of a plowed field. He reported that just as the tail lifted, the left wing struck the ground and the right wing hit a fence.

## Factual narrative

On August 22, 1995, at 1130 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N3169U, collided with the ground and a fence during takeoff from a plowed field near Dalhart, Texas.  The pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage.  The agricultural airplane, owned and operated by American Sprayers, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 137 when the accident occurred.  The aerial application flight was intended to apply chemicals to a local field.  No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The operator reported that, while spraying earlier that morning, the airplane's engine had "blown a cylinder" and the pilot was forced to land in a plowed circular field.  The airplane was not damaged during the forced landing.  After accomplishing the repairs to the engine, the pilot attempted to takeoff from the "grassy" edge of the plowed field.  He reported that just as the "tail lifted", the left wing "struck the ground" and then the right wing "hit a fence."

Examination of the airplane, revealed structural damage to the right wing.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3169U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3169U), registered now, S/N 301-0577, built 1984 (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: 301-0577
- Airframe hours: 4952
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: American Sprayers
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 6, 1995, 374 hours before
- Departed: DHT
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model, 9,800 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19950822025399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950822025399A), Aug 22, 1995: Airtrc AT301, Dalhart, TX, Substantial damage. Departing grassy edge of spray field. Left wing hit ground. Right wing struck a fence.

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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