On February 18, 2005, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N9114W) was involved in an aviation accident near Avon, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush, and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft impacted terrain during aerial application. The pilot reported rapid sinking after turns. Engine examination at Pratt & Whitney Canada showed power at impact with no anomalies.
Accident Narrative
The accident occurred while the airplane was conducting aerial application operations. According to the pilot, he initiated a turn to the left, followed by a turn to the right, when the airplane suddenly began sinking rapidly. The pilot advanced the throttle and propeller controls fully forward, but the descent continued. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, sliding approximately 75 yards before striking a grain bin and coming to rest.
Engine Examination
In April 2005, a Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigator, along with representatives from Pratt & Whitney Canada, examined the accident airplane's engine and accessories at Pratt & Whitney Canada in Quebec, Canada. The examination revealed information consistent with the engine generating power at the time of impact. No anomalies were noted to exist.