On April 20, 2000, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N8899S) was involved in an aviation accident near Colquitt, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an agricultural spraying takeoff, the engine produced only 63% torque (required 75%), prompting an aborted takeoff. The aircraft subsequently struck a fence. No mechanical malfunction was found, but the fuel control assembly was displaced.
Accident Summary
The accident occurred during the initial departure of a spraying operation. The pilot reported that when full throttle was applied for takeoff, the engine generated only 63% of the required torque. After a ground roll of approximately 1,500 feet, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft then collided with a fence located at the departure end of the runway.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine assembly did not reveal any obvious mechanical malfunction or component failure. However, the examination did find that the fuel control and fuel pump assembly was displaced from its normally installed position. The pilot stated that the engine continued to produce power throughout the entire attempted takeoff sequence.
Pilot Statements
The pilot noted that normal takeoff power requires 75% torque, but the engine never reached that level during this attempted takeoff. No other factors were reported.