Accident Overview
On August 12, 2008, at 1730 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, registration N45029, collided with terrain during an off-airport forced landing in Ida Grove, Iowa. The airplane, operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application, had departed from the Ida Grove Municipal Airport (IDG) shortly before the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The commercial pilot, who was not injured, reported that the engine was producing 36 inches of manifold pressure and 2,250 rpm during the initial takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, he noticed the airplane was not climbing and that manifold pressure had dropped to 28 inches or less. The pilot executed a forced landing in a soybean field. After a ground roll of about 100 feet, the airplane contacted an embankment, twisted to the right, and became airborne for a distance of approximately 100 feet before contacting the terrain and sliding to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the aft fuselage.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the turbocharger blower had failed.
Probable Cause
The investigation source did not state a probable cause for this accident.