On April 13, 1989, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3159D) operated by S.eastern Aerial Crop Svc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Pierce, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A cracked #5 cylinder assembly, which resulted in the loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb after takeoff, the engine lost power and began missing. The pilot executed an emergency landing in palmetto bushes, damaging the landing gear and wings. Examination found a cracked #5 cylinder assembly.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the climb after takeoff, the aircraft's engine gradually lost power and then began to sputter and miss. Faced with the loss of engine power, the pilot performed an emergency landing in palmetto bushes. The landing resulted in damage to the aircraft's landing gear and wings.
Engine Examination
A post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the #5 cylinder assembly was cracked. This crack allowed a loss of compression, which led to the power loss experienced during the flight.
Pilot's Actions
The pilot noted that there were homes in the area, which prevented him from jettisoning his load. The decision to land in the palmetto bushes was made to avoid populated areas.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and wings as a result of the emergency landing in the bushes.
Probable cause
A cracked #5 cylinder assembly, which resulted in the loss of engine power.