N3161A

Substantial
None

Air Tractor 301S/N: AT-301-0481

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA245
Location
Herreid, SD
Event ID
20080919X01504
Coordinates
45.854167, -100.075279
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

Failure of one of the tailwheel bolts on landing and the pilot's subsequent inability to maintain directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N3161A
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
AT-301-0481
Year Built
1983
Model / ICAO
301

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
PO BOX 504
Status
Deregistered
City
LOS INDIOS
State / Zip Code
TX 78567-0504
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot returned for landing in the tailwheel configured airplane after an agricultural application flight. He executed a normal landing on runway 12 (2,230 feet by 200 feet, asphalt/turf) and kept the tail up as long as possible as the airplane slowed. The pilot stated that when the tailwheel touched down it felt as if the tail was dragging on the ground and the airplane drifted to the right. He applied opposite rudder but was unable to stop the drift. He subsequently applied the brakes, which spun the airplane around and brought it to a stop partially off the runway. The pilot reported that after the accident he observed a bolt securing the tailwheel had failed. The bolt was discarded and was not available for further examination. The pilot commented that he will proactively inspect and replace the tailwheel bolts before each spray season.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA245