Casualties unknown

2003-09-12: Air Tractor AT-502B (N61353) — Farwell, TX

Farwell, TX, US

On September 12, 2003, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N61353) was involved in an aviation accident near Farwell, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an inadvertent 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 aerial application airplane experienced a stall after pitching up into a near-vertical attitude while maneuvering, then struck the ground. A witness compared the maneuvers to an air show routine. No pre-impact anomalies were found.

Accident Overview

While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the airplane pitched up into a nose-high, "almost vertical" attitude, stalled, and subsequently impacted the terrain. The event was observed by a witness who stated, "the airplane was executing maneuvers like that of an air show, when the pilot pulls [the airplane] straight up and comes straight down."

Aircraft Condition

Examination of the airframe and systems revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to impact. The airplane was otherwise considered airworthy and functioning properly at the time of the accident.

Maneuver Description

The witness description indicates the pilot performed a maneuver where the aircraft pitched up abruptly, reaching a nearly vertical nose-high attitude before stalling. The airplane then descended and struck the ground. The specific type of agricultural operation or chemical being applied was not detailed in the available information.

Investigation Notes

The investigation concluded that the aircraft was operating without any mechanical or system failures that could explain the loss of control. The pilot's actions during the maneuver, as described by the witness, are the primary focus of the factual record. No further analysis or causal determination is provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030915X01541. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.