On July 14, 1982, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4448S) operated by Burke Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Hondo, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the forced landing due to tall cotton stalks, and the engine's loss of power caused by a blown seal in the supercharger blower. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced immediate engine power loss following takeoff, leading to a forced landing in a cotton field where directional control was lost and substantial damage occurred due to a blown supercharger seal.
What happened
The incident occurred immediately after the aircraft began its climb phase. The engine suddenly lost power, necessitating an emergency forced landing in a nearby field characterized by tall cotton stalks approximately four feet high. Upon touchdown within the dense vegetation, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. Consequently, the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the uncontrolled slide through the crop.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the engine components to determine the mechanical cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed a blown seal located in the engine supercharger blower assembly. This mechanical failure is consistent with the sudden loss of engine power observed prior to the forced landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the forced landing due to tall cotton stalks, and the engine's loss of power caused by a blown seal in the supercharger blower.