N4544S

Substantial
None

AIR TRACTOR INC AT-402AS/N: 402A-0782

Accident Details

Date
Monday, April 2, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA221
Location
Ganado, TX
Event ID
20120403X01230
Coordinates
28.982500, -96.412223
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The improper positioning of the hopper vent, which allowed chemicals to escape and cover the airplane's windshield.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4544S
Make
AIR TRACTOR INC
Serial Number
402A-0782
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
AT-402AF402
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COASTAL FLYING SERVICES INC
Address
PO BOX 839
Status
Deregistered
City
GANADO
State / Zip Code
TX 77962-0839
Country
United States

Analysis

On the day before the accident, the pilot installed dry fertilizer equipment on the airplane. Later that afternoon, the pilot removed the dry fertilizer equipment and installed spray booms and a spray pump in preparation for dispensing a liquid chemical the next day. The following day, during the takeoff roll, chemical started covering the windshield. The windshield washer had no effect. The pilot lost all outside visual references and was unable to maintain level flight. The airplane impacted the ground and slid to a stop. Postaccident examination revealed the hopper vent had not been turned around. The hopper was still pressurized and chemical blew out of the hopper lid onto the windshield.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA221