Casualties unknown

2000-07-18: Air Tractor AT-401 (N6055W) — Panhandle, TX

Panhandle, TX, US

On July 18, 2000, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N6055W) was involved in an aviation accident near Panhandle, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural airplane, loaded with chemical spray, impacted terrain after its nose dropped during a climbing right turn. The turn radius was tighter than earlier maneuvers, and the impact was near vertical.

Accident Overview

The airplane involved in the accident was fueled, loaded with chemical, and departed to spray a field. While making a climbing right turn to re-enter the field, the nose dropped and the airplane subsequently entered a steep descent, impacting the ground.

Flight Data Analysis

According to data from a SATLOC GPS, most of the turns performed during the flight had a diameter of 1,000 feet. The recorded data ended with the airplane completing 230 degrees of a right turn with a diameter of 660 feet, indicating a tighter turn than previously executed.

Impact and Wreckage Examination

Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted the ground in a near vertical attitude. Partial flight control continuity was established for the aileron and elevators, and continuity was established for the rudder. The engine and propeller exhibited evidence of producing power at the time of impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21467. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.