# NTSB LAX92LA338: Air Tractor AT-401, N1547P, Parker, AZ, August 9, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1992, 22:15 local (Aug 9, 1992, 05:15 UTC)
- Place: Parker, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.080268, -114.2201 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0803&lon=-114.2201&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 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27721
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA338
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27721/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA338

## Probable cause

THE INADEQUATE OVERHAUL OF THE PROPELLER BLADE BY THE OVERHAUL FACILITY. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE ROUGH AND UNEVEN TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - fatigue (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,overhaul - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN WHEN 10 INCHES OF A PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATED. THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. ON TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE ROUGH/UNEVEN TERRAIN. A METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF PROPELLER BLADE DISCLOSED THE PRESENCE OF FATIGUE ACROSS 60% OF THE FRACTURED SURFACE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FATIGUE CENTERED ON A NOTCH OF A PREVIOUSLY REWORKED AREA. THE PROPELLER BLADE HAD ACCURED 273 FLIGHT HOURS SINCE IT WAS OVERHAULED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1547P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1547P-1996-02-29), registration cancelled 1996-02-29, S/N 4010861 (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: 401-0861
- Airframe hours: 273
- Engines: P&W R-1340-AN1 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Morris, Gary & Connie, doing business as Poston Sprayers, Inc.
- Registered owner: Morris, Gary & Connie
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 30, 1992, 23 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 5,500 total, 300 in this make and model, 5,300 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 100 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19920808029859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920808029859A), Aug 8, 1992: Airtrc AT401, Parker, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost ten inches of propeller blade on a swath run. Nosed over landing. Blade broke at reworked notch due fatigue.

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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