# NTSB FTW96LA370: Air Tractor AT-401, N1558N, Plains, TX, August 30, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 29, 1996, 19:30 local (Aug 30, 1996, 00:30 UTC) - Place: Plains, TX - Coordinates: 33.19049, -102.819572 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1905&lon=-102.8196&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report April 29, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19965 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA370 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19965/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA370 ## Probable cause failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while maneuvering after a swath run, which subsequently resulted in a collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the adverse wind condition (gusty wind and possible windshear). ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application ## Analysis The pilot had completed a swath run, and was maneuvering for another swath run, when he experienced problems in controlling the airplane in a right turn. He reported 'the high wing (left wing) very violently came over the top like a snap roll.' This had occurred on the previous two right turns. On the third turn, he made an extended turn with 'plenty' of airspeed, and prevented the wing from going all the way over by applying full left forward stick and left rudder. The airplane descended rapidly. The pilot reported that the airplane 'stalled' just before impact; however, he stated it did 'not stall during the [right] turn.' The pilot also reported that the wind was out of the northeast at 5 knots gusting to 10 knots, and that he possibly encountered wind shear. Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical anomaly. Control continuity was established to all flight controls. ## Factual narrative On August 29, 1996, at 1930 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N1558N, registered to a private owner, operated by South Plains Aero as a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Plains, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight originated from Terry County Airport, Brownfield, Texas, at 1900. According to the pilot he was spraying a field oriented northwest to southeast. During a right turn on the west side of the field, "the high wing (lt. wing) very violently came over the top like a snap roll." He reported having the same experience on the previous two right turns on the west side. On the third right turn he made an extended turn with "plenty" of airspeed, and prevented the wing from going all the way over by applying full left forward stick, and left rudder. The airplane descended rapidly. The pilot also reported that the airplane "stalled" just prior to impact; however, he stated it did not stall during the right turn. The pilot reported that the wind was out of the northeast at 5 knots gusting to 10 knots, and he possibly encountered wind shear. Examination of the accident site by the FAA inspector revealed that the airplane was in an upright position with its engine inverted. The left main landing gear was separated, and the fuselage was wrinkled. Examination of the airplane and engine did not disclose any mechanical anomalies. Control continuity was established to all flight controls. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1558N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1558N-1998-08-06), registration cancelled 1998-08-06, S/N 4010878 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-401 - Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-401](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-401) (registry code 0390204) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 401-0878 - Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Roy W Cooper - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Departed: Q26, BROWNFIELD, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,484 total, 386 in this make and model, 1,355 as pilot in command, 74 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 45° at 5 knots, gusting 10 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 50 °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 19960830025219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960830025219A), Aug 30, 1996: Airtrc AT401, Plains, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot indicated he was spraying a field, making passes east and west. On the last westbound pass, during the turn around to the right, he applied 1… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.