Aircraft Flips Over During Forced Landing on Soft Terrain After Engine Failure (N36503)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-07-14 involved an Air Tractor AT-301, registration N36503, operated by Gulf Coast Flying Service, at Anahuac, TX.

On July 14, 1987, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N36503) operated by Gulf Coast Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Anahuac, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An agricultural aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power during a swath run, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft flipped over upon encountering soft terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The engine failure cause remains undetermined.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft was engaged in an aerial application flight when a complete loss of engine power occurred during a swath run. The pilot initiated a forced landing. The aircraft subsequently encountered soft terrain and flipped over, causing substantial damage.

Engine Anomalies

Before the power loss, the engine emitted a popping sound, and smoke was observed emanating from the area around cylinders #1 and #2.

Aircraft Information

The airframe had accumulated 1,794 total flight hours, with 829 hours since the last overhaul.

Investigation

The cause of the engine failure could not be determined, as the wreckage was disposed of before an engine teardown could be performed.

1987-07-14: Air Tractor AT-301 (N36503) — Gulf Coast Flying Service — Anahuac, TX