On August 17, 1999, an Air Tractor AT-402 (registration N4523L) was involved in an aviation accident near Snyder, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of a leak in the engine fuel control. 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.
A turbine-powered agricultural airplane experienced engine power loss during an application flight due to a missing fuel control assembly bolt, causing a severe fuel leak and a forced landing in a hay field.
Accident Details
A turbine powered agricultural airplane experienced a loss of engine power during an aerial application flight. The commercial pilot turned the airplane into the wind and lowered the flaps for a forced landing in a hay field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a terrace.
Investigation Findings
A detailed examination of the aircraft fuel system revealed that fuel was present in both tanks and in the fuel lines. The FAA inspector stated that the top right bolt securing the fuel control assembly to the engine case was missing, and the remaining three bolts securing the fuel control were found loose. The missing bolt, with a piece of safety wire still attached to it, was found laying at the bottom of the engine cowling. Evidence of a 'severe fuel leak' was found at the base of the fuel control assembly.