Summary
On April 02, 2010, a Air Tractor AT-301 (N3653T) was involved in an accident near Malden, MO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application flight.
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft after completing an aerial application pass. While climbing away from the field, the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree and the pilot performed an off-field landing instead of returning to the departure airport. The main landing gear collapsed during the landing in a rough field. A post-impact fire ensued on the right wing after the airplane came to rest. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA185. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3653T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a downdraft after completing an aerial application pass. While climbing away from the field, the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree and the pilot performed an off-field landing instead of returning to the departure airport. The main landing gear collapsed during the landing in a rough field. A post-impact fire ensued on the right wing after the airplane came to rest. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA185