On July 26, 1995, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3655Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Poplar Bluff, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight/planning preparation. Factors in the accident were: the loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, the wet runway, and the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported partial engine power loss during takeoff on a wet grass runway, aborted the takeoff, and slid into a ditch. Postaccident examination found no mechanical anomalies; weather conditions were within the severe carburetor icing range.
Event Summary
A pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power during the takeoff roll on a grass runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and the airplane subsequently slid off the end of the runway into a ditch.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that it had just stopped raining prior to the takeoff and that the runway was wet. He also reported that he had not performed a carburetor heat check nor a magneto check before beginning the takeoff roll.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine found no mechanical anomalies. The engine was inspected and no issues were identified that could explain the power loss.
Weather Conditions
The reported surface temperature in the area was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 76 degrees Fahrenheit. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these temperatures fall within the severe icing range.