On August 28, 2001, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N91922) was involved in an aviation accident near Batesville, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An Air Tractor airplane collided with trees and the ground during an attempted forced landing after the engine lost power during a climb out from a swath run. The post-crash fire prevented functional examination.
Incident Overview
An Air Tractor aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during a climb out from a swath run, leading to an attempted forced landing. The airplane struck trees and then the ground, subsequently catching fire.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the engine lost power as the airplane was climbing out from a swath run. The pilot established a glide toward a hay field for an emergency landing while attempting to restore engine power. However, the airplane struck trees before reaching the field, then hit the ground and caught fire.
Post-Crash Fire
The post-crash fire prevented a functional examination of the airplane and engine assembly. Investigators were unable to determine the mechanical condition of the engine or other components due to fire damage.