On June 27, 2003, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N4406S) was involved in an aviation accident near Glendo, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the high density altitude, and the trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a low-altitude aerial application, the pilot reported the airplane failed to respond as expected during a pull-up and turn. An emergency landing was performed to avoid rising terrain, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
Event Description
The pilot was conducting an aerial application at low altitude when the airplane did not respond as anticipated during the pull-up and turn maneuver. To avoid rising terrain, the pilot initiated an emergency landing. The airplane subsequently struck trees and the ground.
Aircraft Damage and Examination
The collision caused substantial damage to the right wing, undercarriage, and fuselage. A post-accident examination of the airplane's systems found no anomalies. Approximately 200 gallons of chemical was recovered from the airplane's hopper.
Environmental Conditions
The density altitude at the time of the accident was 6,506 feet mean sea level.