N45553

On May 24, 2004, approximately 1400 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-402 single-engine tail wheel equipped airplane, N45553, was substantially damaged after a loss of directional control during landing roll-out at a private airstrip near Beedeville, Arkansas. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned by Nordic Greatwestern Family LP., of Houston, Texas, and operated by Quantum Flying Service. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at a private grass strip near Newport, Arkansas, about 1330. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137.

In a written statement, the 14,000-hour pilot reported that he landed to the east on a rough grass runway with a crosswind from the south. After the airplane landed, he reversed the propeller into beta to accelerate the braking action. However, directional control was "minimized due to the crosswind", propeller reversal, and the condition of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane drifted to the left, and the left wing tip collided with a tree causing the airplane to ground loop and impact trees with the right wing and propeller. He said there were no mechanical deficiencies.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the propeller blades were bent back, both the left and right wings were structurally damaged, and the right landing gear strut was damaged at the fuselage attach points.

At 1355, the automated surface observing station (BVX) at Batesville, Arkansas, located approximately 32 miles northwest of the accident site, reported winds from 160 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots, scattered clouds at 100 feet, broken at 1,600 feet, temperature 86 degrees Fahrenheit, dewpoint 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 29.91 inches of Mercury.