On May 30, 2000, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N8594S) operated by Michael Thompson was involved in an aviation accident near Garwood, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the supercharger seal resulting in the loss of engine power. 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.
During aerial fertilizer application, the engine lost power and emitted smoke. Oil covered the windshield and airframe. The pilot dumped the load and attempted a forced landing, but the aircraft impacted terrain 200 feet short of the runway.
Incident Summary
An aircraft engaged in aerial application of fertilizer over a rice field experienced an engine power loss accompanied by smoke. Oil was observed covering the windshield and portions of the airframe.
Sequence of Events
In response to the power loss, the pilot jettisoned the hopper load and initiated a forced landing toward the airstrip. During the descent, the aircraft cleared a levee but subsequently struck the ground approximately 200 feet short of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to spin around before coming to rest.
Operator Statement
According to the operator, the engine power loss was attributed to a failure of the supercharger seal.