N3166W – AIR TRACTOR INC AT-301 – 2012-05-03 NTSB Accident Report

On May 03, 2012, a Air Tractor INC AT-301 (N3166W) was involved in an incident near Cedar Bluffs, NE. 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 pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

While conducting an aerial application flight, the pilot noticed that the fuel gauge displayed a low quantity. While attempting to return to an airstrip, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a cornfield. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. In a statement provided by the pilot to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot said that he ran out of fuel. In addition, a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed fuel exhaustion.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA274. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3166W.