Air Tractor AT- 401 N4549N accident, Fellsmere, FL, Apr 8, 2003 · NTSB MIA03LA094

Probable cause

The poor in-flight planning by the pilot-in-command for his overhsooting the pull-up following a spray pass resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then terrain. Contributing to the accident was sunglare that the pilot encountered during the spray pass.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

In flight collision with objectManeuvering - aerial application

In-flight planning/decision - poorPilot in commandCause

Light condition - sunglareFactor

Object - tree(s)

Analysis

The pilot stated that he doesn't remember the accident, but he did report that during a spray run, he overshot the end of the field due to sun in his eyes. He also reported there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. According to the president of the Indian River Flying Service, Inc., the pilot was just starting to pull-up after completing a spray pass when the airplane collided with a tree then the ground. According to an officer with the Indian River County Sheriff Department, the airplane collided with a tree located in an open area, then impacted the ground. A debris path was scattered over a 300 to 350 yard area. The wreckage comprised of two large pieces, and a chemical odor was noted at the accident site.

Factual narrative

On April 8, 2003, about 1920 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor 401, N4549N, registered to and operated by Indian River Flying Service, Inc., collided with a tree then the ground during an aerial application flight near Fellsmere, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 137 flight. The airplane was destroyed and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight originated about 15 minutes earlier from New Hibiscus Airpark, Vero Beach, Florida.

The pilot stated that he doesn't remember the accident, but he did report that during a spray run, he overshot the end of the field due to sun in his eyes. He also reported there was no mechanical failure or malfunction. According to the president of the Indian River Flying Service, Inc., the pilot was just starting to pull-up after completing a spray pass when the airplane collided with a tree then the ground.

According to an officer with the Indian River County Sheriff Department, the airplane collided with a tree located in an open area, then impacted the ground. A debris path was scattered over a 300 to 350 yard area. The wreckage comprised of two large pieces, and a chemical odor was noted at the accident site.

Aircraft

Registration: N4549N
Reported as: Air Tractor AT- 401
Category: Airplane
Serial number: 401-0799
Engine: Pratt & Whitney R1340-AN1, 600 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage: Destroyed
Flight: Aerial application · Part 137
Registered owner: Indian River Flying Service, Inc.
Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
Last inspection: Annual · May 1, 2002 · 90 hours before
Departed: X52 · Vero Beach, FL
Destination: X52

N4549NRegistration cancelled May 6, 2005 · Air Tractor AT-401S/N 401-0799 · Built 1991 Airframe modelAir Tractor AT-401 Engine modelPratt & Whitney R1340 seriesReciprocating

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 60
Injuries: Serious
Certificates: Flight instructor, Commercial
Airplane ratings: Multi-engine land, Single-engine land
Medical: Class 2, Valid Medical--w/ waivers/lim
Last flight review: May 8, 2002
Seat: Center
Flight hours: 18,000 total · 4,100 in this make and model · 18,000 as pilot in command · 275 in the last 90 days · 80 in the last 30 days · 4 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions: Visual (VMC) · Dusk
Wind: 140° at 14 knots
Visibility: 10 statute miles
Lowest ceiling: None
Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F
Altimeter: 29.97 inHg
Observed at: KVRB

FAA reports on this event · 1

The FAA’s own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date.

Accident 20030408018159AAirtrc AT401 · Fellsmore, FL(-23) The pilot states in interview that he does not remember anything about the accident. The last thing he remembers is loading the aircraft, then waking up in the hospital.Apr 8, 2003 · N4549N · Substantial damage

Other investigations on N4549N · 1

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

NTSB FTW94LA306Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcgehee, ARThe loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.Sep 20, 1994 · Substantial damage