On November 7, 1989, an Air Tractor AT301 (registration N3158Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Ellinwood, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS WHICH RESULTED IN A FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT DIRT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported a partial loss of engine power during climbout. He dumped the chemical load and descended, maneuvering to avoid obstacles. The aircraft landed in soft dirt, causing the left gear to separate. Post-accident examination found no pre-impact malfunction.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's report, during the initial climb after takeoff, he perceived a partial loss of engine power. To reduce weight and manage the situation, the pilot dumped the chemical load that the aircraft was carrying. The aircraft descended as the chemical load was being released. While in the descent, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid several obstacles that were in the flight path. The aircraft subsequently made contact with the ground, landing in an area described as soft dirt. After the landing, the left main landing gear separated from the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, investigators performed a detailed examination of the aircraft and the engine. The examination did not find evidence that would account for the partial loss of engine power reported by the pilot. As part of the investigation, the engine was disassembled and inspected. The disassembly revealed no pre-impact malfunction or anomaly that could have caused the reported power loss.