Casualties unknown

Pilot on First Flight in Unfamiliar Turboprop Involved in Spin Accident (N50963)

Moreland, ID, US

On March 13, 1998, an Air Tractor AT-402A (registration N50963) operated by Randall M. Gibson was involved in an aviation accident near Moreland, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his lack of familiarity in the make/model. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with no turbine experience but over 600 hours in a similar reciprocating aircraft spun into the ground during his first flight after an oral checkout. No mechanical issues were found.

Accident Details

The pilot-in-command, who was a prospective buyer, had just completed an oral checkout and training session given by a representative of the aircraft sales distributor. He then departed on his first flight in the aircraft. The pilot had never flown this make and model before and reportedly had no prior turbine or turboprop experience. However, he had accumulated over 600 hours of flight time in a reciprocating-powered crop duster, which the source describes as having similar flight characteristics.

Witness Observations

Several witnesses reported observing the aircraft in a spin. On-site examination revealed that the aircraft impacted the ground in a slight nose-down, right wing-low inverted attitude with no forward momentum. No witnesses observed the entry maneuver that led to the inverted spin.

Investigation Findings

The engine was disassembled and examined; no evidence of mechanical malfunction was found. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within limits at the time of the accident.

Conclusion

No probable cause has been determined based on the available information. The investigation did not identify any mechanical failures or weight/balance issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 1998 Air Tractor AT-402A accident near Moreland, ID?

A pilot with no turbine experience but over 600 hours in a similar reciprocating aircraft spun into the ground during his first flight after an oral checkout. No mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 1998 involved an Air Tractor AT-402A, registration N50963, operated by Randall M. Gibson, at Moreland, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his lack of familiarity in the make/model.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09779. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.