What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-04-15 involved an Air Tractor AT-301, registration N23702, at Roseau, MN.

Engine Quit After Takeoff Leads to Emergency Landing in Swamp (N23702)

On April 15, 1989, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N23702) was involved in an aviation accident near Roseau, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL STARVATION DUE TO FUEL ICE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

After takeoff, the engine lost power at 500 feet. The pilot used the hand fuel pump for brief power bursts but could not sustain it. An emergency landing in a swamp resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

Incident Details

Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine ceased operating. The pilot reported being unable to sustain engine power despite efforts to restore it.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to regain engine power by operating the hand fuel pump. This yielded several short bursts of power, but they were insufficient to maintain continuous engine operation.

Emergency Landing

The pilot initiated an emergency landing in a swamp area. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed over.

Possible Cause

The pilot speculated that ice in the fuel lines might have been a contributing factor, given the sub-freezing temperatures at the time. The aircraft was en route to another airport for an annual inspection.

1989-04-15: Air Tractor AT-301 (N23702) — Roseau, MN