On May 20, 2002, an Air Tractor 402 (registration N91660) was involved in an aviation accident near Hughes, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the malfunction of the tail wheel locking mechanism and the high vegetation along the sides of the airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While landing to fix leaking spray nozzles, an agricultural airplane's tail wheel failed to lock, causing the aircraft to veer left, entangle a spray boom in wheat, and ground loop.
Incident Details
An aerial application flight was in progress when the pilot observed that three spray nozzles on the aircraft were leaking. Because several crops in the area were susceptible to the chemical being dispensed, the pilot decided to divert to an alternate airstrip to address the issue. The landing was initiated at the alternate location.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the pilot reported that the tail wheel did not lock properly. This caused the airplane to kick to the left and depart the airstrip. The left spray boom then became entangled in the adjoining wheat crop. The entanglement led the aircraft to ground loop. The pilot subsequently noted that they had experienced trouble with the tail wheel locking mechanism approximately one week prior to the accident.
Previous Issues
The pilot had reported difficulty with the tail wheel locking mechanism about a week before the accident. No other issues with the aircraft were mentioned in the report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 May 2002 Air Tractor 402 accident near Hughes, AR?
While landing to fix leaking spray nozzles, an agricultural airplane's tail wheel failed to lock, causing the aircraft to veer left, entangle a spray boom in wheat, and ground loop.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 May 2002 Air Tractor 402 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 May 2002 involved an Air Tractor 402, registration N91660, at Hughes, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the malfunction of the tail wheel locking mechanism and the high vegetation along the sides of the airstrip.
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