Summary
On November 19, 1998, a Air Tractor AT-400A (N23787) was involved in an incident near Bunkie, LA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
On November 19, 1998, at 1245 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-400A agricultural airplane, N23787, struck the terrain following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Bunkie, Louisiana. The airplane was owned and operated by Davis Flying Service, Seminole, Texas. The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The Title 14 CFR Part 137 flight originated from the Bunkie Municipal Airport at 1115.
The operator reported that while spraying a cotton field, at 20 feet agl, a total loss of engine power occurred.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW99LA031. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N23787.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 19, 1998, at 1245 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-400A agricultural airplane, N23787, struck the terrain following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Bunkie, Louisiana. The airplane was owned and operated by Davis Flying Service, Seminole, Texas. The non-instrument rated commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight and a flight plan was not filed. The Title 14 CFR Part 137 flight originated from the Bunkie Municipal Airport at 1115.
The operator reported that while spraying a cotton field, at 20 feet agl, a total loss of engine power occurred. During the ensuing forced landing, structural damage occurred to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and landing gear.
On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 3,890 hour pilot stated that he banked the airplane to avoid power lines and a wooded area during the forced landing. The airplane struck the ground in about a 45 degree nose low attitude.
The FAA inspector, responding to the site, reported that chemical spillage and fuel leakage hampered an examination of the aircraft. The reason for the engine power loss was not determined.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW99LA031