N254LA

Substantial
None

Air Tractor AT502S/N: 502A-3054

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, July 26, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA18CA447
Location
Iowa, LA
Event ID
20180726X70057
Coordinates
30.224445, -93.000274
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AIR TRACTOR
Serial Number
502A-3054
Engine Type
Turbo-prop
Year Built
2016
Model / ICAO
AT502AT5T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
AT-502A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
OBRIENS FLYING SERVICE INC
Address
22519 HWY 90E
PO BOX 607
City
IOWA
State / Zip Code
LA 70647-0607
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, restricted category airplane, he had performed an agricultural flight and was landing to take on another load.

He made a three-point landing with full flaps and closed the throttle. During the landing roll, the airplane "turned violently to the right and got very light on the gear." The nose of the airplane had turned 45° to the right of the runway centerline, so he applied left brake and left rudder, and then he added power.

As the power increased, and the airplane rolled to the left. He reported that the left wing struck the ground and he pulled the throttle to idle, and then he applied reverse thrust and full brakes. However, the airplane exited the runway and collided with a drainage culvert.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron.

The pilot reported that about the time of the accident the wind was light and variable, but dust devils were present.

Additionally, he reported that the accident could have been prevented by landing at a higher airspeed to keep air flow over the rudder, and by minimizing the engine thrust.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA447