# NTSB FTW99LA031: Air Tractor AT-400A, N23787, Bunkie, LA, November 19, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 19, 1998, 12:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Bunkie, LA
- Coordinates: 30.949947, -92.18058 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.9499&lon=-92.1806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 3, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 45332
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45332/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA031

## Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

During an aerial application maneuver, a total loss of engine power occurred, and the pilot performed a forced landing. The pilot banked the airplane to avoid power lines and a wooded area. The airplane struck the ground in about a 45 degree nose low attitude. Chemical spillage and fuel leakage hampered an on site examination of the aircraft. The reason for of the engine power loss was not determined.

## Factual narrative

On November 19, 1998, at 1245 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-400A agricultural airplane, N23787, struck the terrain following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Bunkie, Louisiana.  The airplane was owned and operated by Davis Flying Service, Seminole, Texas.  The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured.  The airplane sustained substantial damage.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed.  The Title 14 CFR Part 137 flight originated from the Bunkie Municipal Airport at 1115.

The operator reported that while spraying a cotton field, at 20 feet agl, a total loss of engine power occurred.  During the ensuing forced landing, structural damage occurred to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and landing gear.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 3,890 hour pilot stated that he banked the airplane to avoid power lines and a wooded area during the forced landing.  The airplane struck the ground in about a 45 degree nose low attitude.

The FAA inspector, responding to the site, reported that chemical spillage and fuel leakage hampered an examination of the aircraft.  The reason for the engine power loss was not determined.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N23787](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N23787-2002-06-19), registration cancelled 2002-06-19, S/N 400A-0430, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT-400A
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-400A](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-400a) (registry code 0390203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 400A-0430
- Engines: Garrett TPE-331-1 715 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: James R. Davis
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 2R6, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,890 total, 400 in this make and model, 3,768 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19981119047129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981119047129A), Nov 19, 1998: Airtrc AT400A, Stlandry, LA, No damage. (-23) While on a spray pass at an altitude of approximately 20 feet, pilot felt engine losing power. Pilot banked aircraft right to avoid trees and powerlines…

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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