# NTSB SEA94LA200: Air Tractor AT-301, N3649Y, Connell, WA, July 29, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1994, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Connell, WA
- Coordinates: 46.660865, -118.899803 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.6609&lon=-118.8998&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 29, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41990
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA200
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41990/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA200

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE CONDUCTING AERIAL APPLICATION ACTIVITIES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE FAA INSPECTOR WHO WENT ON SITE STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD IMPACTED STRAIGHT INTO THE GROUND IN AN OPEN FIELD WHILE ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION ACTIVITIES.  NO MECHANICAL DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND, AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A WIRE STRIKE OR IMPACT WITH AN OBJECT.

## Factual narrative

On July 29, 1994, approximately 1330 Pacific daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N3649Y, was destroyed while engaged in aerial application activities near Connell, Washington.  The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured.  No flight plan was filed for the flight, which was conducted in visual meteorological conditions.  No ELT was installed in the aircraft.

An FAA inspector who went to the scene of the accident stated that the aircraft had gone straight into the ground.  He stated that he found no evidence of mechanical discrepancies, and that the pilot was apparently maneuvering while engaged in spraying activities at the time of the accident.  No evidence of a wire strike or impact with an object on the surface was found.

Toxicological testing was conducted by the FAA, with negative results for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol and drugs.  An autopsy was performed in Pasco, Washington, by Dr. Homer Harris, at the Bruce Lee Funeral Home, with the cause of death listed as traumatic injuries to the head and neck with positional asphyxia.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3649Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3649Y-2015-04-30), registration cancelled 2015-04-30, S/N 301-0248, built 1980 (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: 301-0248
- Engines: P&W R-1340 600 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Allison Agricultural Avn, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19940729048549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940729048549A), Jul 29, 1994: Airtrc AT301, Connell, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Near vertical ground impact while maneuvering on ag operation. Indicates a stall. No mechanical anomalies.

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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