On July 11, 1986, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3106L) was involved in an aviation accident near Campti, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the power failure could not be determined, though the pilot cited recurring mechanical issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed after its engine quit during a cotton spraying operation. The pilot executed a forced landing from approximately 60 feet, resulting in gear shearing due to the impact.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a cotton spraying operation when the engine ceased functioning. At the time of the failure, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 60 feet above ground level. The pilot initiated a dive and executed a forced landing, describing the maneuver as pancaking. This impact resulted in the shearing of the landing gear.
The investigation
Investigative efforts were limited by the lack of mechanical evidence pointing to a specific failure mode. The cause of the power loss could not be definitively determined through physical examination of the wreckage or components.
Findings
The pilot reported that the engine had experienced multiple previous failures, including blown cylinders and camshaft issues. These recurring mechanical problems were attributed by the pilot to the general wear and condition of the Pratt & Whitney engines used in the aircraft.
Safety message
Repeated mechanical failures in aging aircraft components can lead to critical in-flight emergencies. Regular maintenance and monitoring of engine health are essential for agricultural operations that often involve low-altitude flight.
Probable cause
The cause of the power failure could not be determined, though the pilot cited recurring mechanical issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines.