On September 1, 1996, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N1502F) was involved in an aviation accident near Brownfield, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a slight crosswind, which resulted in the airplane diverting into an adjacent cotton field and sustaining substantial damage after the left landing gear collapsed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on a private agricultural strip, a slight crosswind caused the airplane to veer into an adjacent cotton field. The aircraft bounced across soft crop rows before the left landing gear collapsed.
What happened
The accident occurred during the landing phase of flight at a private agricultural airstrip. According to information provided by the operator, environmental conditions included a slight crosswind at the time of touchdown. This wind condition caused the airplane to deviate from the intended runway path and enter an adjacent cotton field.
Upon entering the soft crop rows, the aircraft bounced for a distance estimated between 60 feet and 70 feet. During this sequence, the left main landing gear collapsed. The structural failure of the gear allowed the left wing to strike the ground. Subsequently, the engine and propeller assembly impacted the surface. These impacts caused the airplane to flip completely over.
The investigation
No mechanical examination or post-accident inspection details were provided in the source material. The description of events relies entirely on operator accounts regarding the sequence of ground contact and structural failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a slight crosswind, which resulted in the airplane diverting into an adjacent cotton field and sustaining substantial damage after the left landing gear collapsed.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Sept 1996 Air Tractor AT-401 accident near Brownfield, TX?
During a landing on a private agricultural strip, a slight crosswind caused the airplane to veer into an adjacent cotton field. The aircraft bounced across soft crop rows before the left landing gear collapsed.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Sept 1996 involved an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N1502F, at Brownfield, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing due to a slight crosswind, which resulted in the airplane diverting into an adjacent cotton field and sustaining substantial damage after the left landing gear collapsed.
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