N50050 – AIR TRACTOR INC AT-602 – 2026-06-03 NTSB Accident Report

On June 3, 2026, about 1320 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602 airplane, N50050, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural application flight.

The pilot reported that the engine started normally and ran flawlessly for the initial portion of the 5-minute flight. The first indication of a problem was a short surge of engine power, followed shortly afterward by a second surge and an increase in engine temperature. The pilot retarded the power lever in response. Immediately afterward, the engine surged one more time with flames observed at the left exhaust. The engine then completely lost power and the pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a field.

The airplane remained upright with damage to the aft fuselage. Airframe and engine examinations are planned once the airplane is recovered from the accident site.