On July 26, 1992, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3167Y) operated by Tedder Aviation Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Dekalb, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an agricultural spray pass after takeoff from a private grass strip, the pilot noticed an engine RPM drop. The aircraft failed to maintain altitude and impacted trees and terrain, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's report, the initial indication of a problem occurred during the right climbing turn immediately following takeoff from a private grass strip. At that time, the engine's revolutions per minute decreased by approximately 100. Notably, this RPM drop had not been observed during the cruise portion of the flight. The pilot continued with a single spray pass. However, when executing a subsequent turning maneuver, the aircraft failed to maintain its altitude and the engine did not deliver full power. Consequently, the aircraft impacted trees and the ground.
Post-Crash Fire
A post-crash fire ensued, which completely destroyed the aircraft.