# NTSB MKC86LA138: Air Tractor AT301, N78MH, Lake City, AR, July 2, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1986, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake City, AR
- Coordinates: 35.810943, -90.440132 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8109&lon=-90.4401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34203
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34203/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA138

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - load jettison - not attained, pilot in command
- Forced landing, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE ACFT DPTD THE RWY NORMALLY TO FERTILIZE A NEARBY FLD. THE PIC STATED THAT THE ACFT LOST PWR SHORTLY INTO THE CLIMB AND HE HAD TO MAKE A FORCED LNDG OFF AIRPORT. THE PIC WAS UNABLE TO DUMP THE LOAD OF FERTILIZER ABOARD BEFORE IMPACT IN A RICE FIELD. THE ACFT PROCEEDED TO ROLL UPON IMPACT IN THE FIELD. THE ACFT ENG WAS USING AUTOMOTIVE FUEL. THE PIC STATED THAT HE HAD NO PREVIOUS PBLM WITH USE OF THE AUTO GAS IN THIS ACFT. A TRDWN INSP OF THE ACFT ENG DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE MODE. IT COULD NOT BE ASCERTAINED IF THE FUEL WAS CONTAMINATED BEFORE IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78MH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N78MH-2013-02-26), registration cancelled 2013-02-26, S/N 301-0008, built 1975 (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)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 301-0008
- Engines: P&W 1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Scott Hagednmacher
- Registered owner: Moore Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: LAKE CITY, AR
- Airport: Lake City

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,000 total, 50 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR

## 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 19860702029899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860702029899A), Jul 2, 1986: Airtrc AT301, Lake City, AR, Substantial damage. The aircraft impacted terrain after the engine failed. No mechanical discrepancies were noted. Auto gas was used.

## Other investigations on N78MH (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 ATL81FKQ02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL81FKQ02-201172), Oct 21, 1980: Air Tractor AT-301 (N78MH), Canton, MS, substantial damage

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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