On March 15, 2007, an Air Tractor AT-502B (registration N90319) operated by Otto M. Morrison was involved in an aviation accident near Collinwood, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot ran out of fuel, resulting in engine stoppage and subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducting fertilizer application made a forced landing after engine stoppage due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in collision with trees and damage to the airplane; the pilot was uninjured.
Accident Details
A pilot was conducting an agricultural fertilizer application flight in a timber field located approximately 11 miles southwest of the departure point. During the operation, the pilot noticed low fuel levels and activated the fuel boost pump. He continued to complete the fertilizer load. On the return flight to the landing zone, the engine stopped as the airplane ran out of fuel. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the airplane collided with a row of trees adjacent to a creek.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot's statement, after the engine stopped, he performed the forced landing. He shut off all electrical switches and exited the airplane without injury. The pilot reported no mechanical or flight control anomalies prior to the accident.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found that both fuel tanks were empty. The wings and fuselage were buckled as a result of the collision with the trees.
Probable cause
The pilot ran out of fuel, resulting in engine stoppage and subsequent forced landing.