On June 6, 2006, an Air Tractor AT-502 (registration N9195G) operated by Anthony G. Alls was involved in an aviation accident near Minturn, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight planning/decision, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot with 747 hours experienced a turbine engine power loss on final approach to a private airstrip, executing a forced landing to a dry rice field. The left main landing gear struck an embankment, causing the left wing to impact the ground. No fuel was found in the fuel system.
Accident Narrative
A commercial pilot was returning to a private airstrip after an aerial application of a field located about 6 nautical miles away. While on final approach to the airstrip, the aircraft's turbine engine lost power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a dry rice field short of the airstrip. During the initial landing roll, the left main landing gear struck a dirt embankment, resulting in the left wing impacting the ground.
Pilot and Fuel Information
The pilot held a commercial certificate and had accumulated 747 hours of flight experience. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he had departed the airport with 55 gallons of fuel on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident scene examined the airplane and found no fuel in the fuel system.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as follows: wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear skies; temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit; dew point 54 degrees Fahrenheit; and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of Mercury.