Casualties unknown

2002-11-20: Air Tractor AT-502 (N502RS) — Weiner, AR

Weiner, AR, US

On November 20, 2002, an Air Tractor AT-502 (registration N502RS) was involved in an aviation accident near Weiner, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason for the compressor stall and loss of power could not be determined. 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

A turboprop agricultural aircraft experienced a compressor stall shortly after takeoff, resulting in a nose-over impact with soft terrain and subsequent damage to the airframe.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight for a turboprop agricultural aircraft. Shortly after departure, while the airplane was at an altitude of approximately 120 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine developed a compressor stall. This mechanical event resulted in a complete loss of power.

In response to the sudden power failure, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft. However, the airplane impacted soft terrain and nosed over upon landing. The impact caused damage to the airframe, though specific details regarding the extent of the structural damage were not provided in the source documentation.

The investigation

Investigative efforts focused on determining the root cause of the compressor stall and the subsequent loss of power. Examination of the event revealed that the mechanical failure occurred early in the flight profile. Despite the investigation, the specific technical reason for the compressor stall could not be determined from the available evidence.

Findings

The primary finding relates to the unexplained nature of the engine failure. The compressor stall and the associated loss of power were the critical factors leading to the accident sequence. No other contributing mechanical or environmental factors were identified in the source text.

Probable cause

The reason for the compressor stall and loss of power could not be determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021230X05641. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.