History of Flight
On May 14, 2008, approximately 1930 central daylight time, a single-engine turbine-powered Air Tractor AT-502B airplane, registration N6112D, sustained substantial damage after a loss of control during an aerial application flight near Wheatley, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operated by Rice Ag Service, Inc. of Wynne, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the Part 137 flight.
A witness reported observing the airplane conducting spray runs and noted nothing unusual. While working with his back to the aircraft, he heard a loud "pop" and then saw what he believed to be a large spray of water as the airplane struck standing water. The witness also reported that the engine noise ceased immediately at the time of the pop.
An FAA inspector responded to the accident site and found the airplane upright in approximately three feet of water. The amount of fuel on board could not be determined on site, but a fuel sheen was visible on the water surface.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. His second-class medical certificate was issued on December 4, 2007, with limitations prohibiting carrying passengers for hire at night and on cross-country flights exceeding 50 nautical miles. At the time of his medical application, he reported 260 total flight hours, with 150 hours in the preceding six months. Post-accident review of his logbook indicated 356 total hours, including 70 hours in the accident make and model.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was an Air Tractor AT-502B equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34AG turboprop engine. It held a special airworthiness certificate in the restricted category for agricultural and pest control operations.
Wreckage and Impact Information
An FAA inspector conducted the on-scene examination, and the wreckage was later recovered for further inspection. On June 11, 2008, the NTSB investigator-in-charge and technical representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturer examined the aircraft. The airplane was found upright, with all four corners accounted for. The fuselage, wings, engine, landing gear, and empennage structure were identified, along with all control surfaces. The leading edges of the wings were accordion-crushed, and the forward fuselage was crushed rearward. The cockpit and instrument panel sustained rearward crush damage. Wreckage marks were consistent with a steep impact angle. Flight control continuity was established. The flap jackscrew was extended about three inches, corresponding to the full-flaps-down position. The airframe manufacturer noted no approved procedure for making application turns with flaps fully extended.
The three-bladed propeller remained attached; all blades were bent or twisted. The engine sustained heavy impact damage and was partially disassembled. The power turbine section showed heavy circumferential rubbing and scoring. No pre-impact abnormalities were found. The engine technical representative stated that the engine signatures were consistent with mid-to-high power at impact.
Medical and Pathological Findings
An autopsy performed by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory on May 16, 2008, listed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. Toxicological tests conducted by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute found no evidence of carbon monoxide, ethanol, or screened drugs.
Additional Information
The aircraft was equipped with a Satloc M3 guidance system. The data card was recovered and analyzed by Hemisphere GPS Air Products (Satloc). The system was not logging at the time of the accident and provided no relevant data.