# NTSB MIA88LA147: Air Tractor AT-301, N8841S, Hastings, FL, April 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1988, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Hastings, FL
- Location: 29.7144° N, 81.4992° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hastings, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7144&lon=-81.4992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 13, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32163
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32163/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA147

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,rocker arm/tappet - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly,valve,exhaust - disabled (cause)
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

WHILE ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT THEN DUMPED THE LOAD OF FERTILIZER & LANDED THE ACFT IN A FIELD. AFTER TOUCHDOWN IT NOSED OVER & CAME TO REST. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE NO. FOUR CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE ROCKER ARM SUPPORT FAILED PREVENTING THE VALVE FROM OPENING. AS A RESULT OF THE EXCESS PRESSURE INSIDE THE CYLINDER WHEN THE INTAKE VALVE OPENED. THE EXHAUST WAS FORCED THROUGH THE INTAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN ENG BACKFIRING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8841S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8841S-2008-08-05), registration cancelled 2008-08-05, S/N 301-0212, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRACTOR AT-301
- Registry model: [Air Tractor AT-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-tractor-at-301) (registry code 0390103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 301-0212
- Airframe hours: 4680
- Engines: P&W R-1340-53HL 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Lee Inmon
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1987, 191 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 12,844 total, 500 in this make and model, 12,590 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRG, 40 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 19880414044839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880414044839A), Apr 14, 1988: Airtrc AT301, Hastings, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed on takeoff. Dumped load and nosed over landing. Cylinder boss roller assembly failed. No ag license.

## Other investigations on N8841S (2)

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 CHI07CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA209), Jul 15, 2007: Air Tractor AT-301 (N8841S), Lignite, ND, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's poor in-flight planning and failure to maintain control of the airplane when he encountered his own vortex turbulence at a low altitude.
- [NTSB MIA91LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA158), Jun 2, 1991: Air Tractor AT-301 (N8841S), High Springs, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO DISINTEGRATION OF THE IMPELLER CAUSED BY A WORN IMPELLER BEARING.

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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