On 22 Aug 2008, an Air Tractor AT-301 operated by Hutto's Flying Service, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Wisner, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot performing aerial application experienced an engine power loss and executed a forced landing in a cotton field, where the aircraft flipped over and came to rest inverted. The cause of the power loss was not determined.
Incident Overview
A commercial rated pilot was conducting an aerial application flight in a single-engine, reciprocating powered agricultural airplane. During an application run, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently chose to perform a forced landing in a cotton field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft flipped over and came to rest in an inverted position.
Investigation Findings
Investigators examined the aircraft and engine but were unable to determine a reason for the loss of engine power. No other contributing factors were identified.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved an engine power loss at low altitude during an application pass, leading to an off-field landing that resulted in the aircraft overturning. The specific cause of the power loss remains undetermined.