Accident
On November 8, 2011, about 1415 Pacific standard time, an Air Tractor AT-602, registration N325BR, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from a private airstrip near Williams, California. The airplane was registered to and operated by Pacific Valley Aviation of Arbuckle, California, under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local aerial observation flight.
Pilot Report
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb at about 150 feet above ground level, the engine began to surge with erratic propeller revolutions per minute and engine torque readings on the instruments. The pilot initiated a 180-degree turn back to the departure airport. About halfway through the turn, the engine lost complete power. The pilot then performed a forced landing toward the departure airport. The airplane landed hard on the northern part of the departure airport and came to rest upright.
Examination
Examination by company personnel revealed structural damage to both wings and the fuselage. Recovery personnel reported that more than 30 gallons of fuel was removed from the wreckage before transport. Postaccident examination by the NTSB investigator found no anomalies with the airframe. Continuity from the cockpit engine controls to the engine was established. The engine visually appeared intact and undamaged, with all fuel, oil, and pneumatic lines secure. The engine was removed and sent to Pratt & Whitney Canada in Montreal for further examination.
Engine and Propeller Tests
At Pratt & Whitney Canada, a borescope inspection of the turbine engine showed no evidence of internal damage. The engine was installed on a test stand and run through various power settings, functioning normally. The propeller governor and overspeed governor were tested on a bench and both functioned normally, with results consistent with normal field adjustment.
Maintenance Records
Review of the airplane’s maintenance records indicated that the engine and airframe underwent their most recent 100-hour inspection on July 15, 2011, at an engine total time since new of 1,980.4 hours.