# NTSB MIA87LA208: Air Tractor AT301, N2321V, Rolling Fork, MS, July 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1987, 12:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Rolling Fork, MS
- Coordinates: 32.900936, -90.870544 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9009&lon=-90.8705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31942
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31942/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA208

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, company/operator management (cause)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition warning - disregarded, company/operator management (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE SWATH RUN, THE PLT STATED THAT THE ENG 'BARKED' ONCE OR TWICE JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE TREES. THE ACFT HIT THE TREES, ROLLED INVERTED & BURST INTO FLAMES.HE STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT & SHOULDER HARNESS SAVED HIS LIFE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD ABORTED TWO OTHER TAKE-OFFS EARLIER IN THE DAY DUE TO ENG PROBLEMS. THE PLT & ANOTHER PLT EMPLOYED BY THE FIRM STATED THAT THE OWNER OF THE FIRM KNEW OF THE VARIOUS MECH DEFECTS THAT THE PLTS HAD BROUGHT TO HIS NOTICE, BUT FAILED TO TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2321V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2321V-1994-11-28), registration cancelled 1994-11-28, S/N 3010368 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Air Tractor AT301
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-301) (registry code 0390103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3010368
- Airframe hours: 2000
- Engines: P&W R1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Nick'S Flying Service,Inc.
- Registered owner: Nicks Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 5,400 total, 653 in this make and model, 5,350 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 100 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JAN, 50 nm away

## 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 19870717035279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870717035279A), Jul 17, 1987: Airtrc AT301, Rolling Fork, MS, Destroyed. The engine lost power and the aircraft hit a tree. Numerous reports of inadequate maintenance by this operator.

## Other investigations on N2321V (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.

- [NTSB FTW82DA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA336), Aug 17, 1982: Snow AT-301A (N2321V), Leachville, AR, destroyed

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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