Introduction
On May 24, 2013, at approximately 0810 mountain daylight time, an Air Tractor, Inc., AT-301, registration N23647, was substantially damaged when it struck an irrigation ditch during a forced landing near Wheatland, Wyoming. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for aerial application.
Flight Details
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which had departed from Phifer Airfield in Wheatland about 45 minutes before the accident. No flight plan was filed. According to the pilot, two days prior, he had topped off the left wing fuel tank. On the accident day, he visually verified the fuel quantity in both wing tanks, estimating a total of 80 gallons onboard. The fuel gauges indicated between half and three-quarters full before engine start. The aircraft manufacturer specified that each wing was equipped with a 60-gallon fuel tank. The pilot reported an average fuel burn rate of 45 gallons per hour.
Accident Sequence
The pilot stated that while applying agricultural product, approximately 45 minutes into the flight, he noticed the fuel gauges indicating a low fuel condition. Checking his flight time, he believed he had started with a total of 1 hour 45 minutes of fuel and continued the application. Shortly thereafter, the low fuel pressure light illuminated, and the engine subsequently lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing straight ahead. During the landing roll, the main landing gear contacted an irrigation ditch, causing a separation of a main structural piece in the fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane conducted by the pilot revealed about 1 gallon of fuel remaining in each wing tank. The pilot reported no mechanical discrepancies that could explain the fuel loss during the flight. Additionally, no fuel staining or other indications of fuel leakage were found anywhere on the aircraft.