History of Flight
On May 5, 2015, at 1241 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B single-engine airplane, registration N4221G, collided with trees and terrain while maneuvering near Basile, Louisiana. The airplane was operated by Lejeune Aerial Applications, LLC, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed a private airstrip around 1220.
According to local authorities and the operator, the pilot was applying dry granular fertilizer to a rice field. During the final west-to-east pass over the field, the airplane's left wing contacted trees. After striking multiple trees, it traveled approximately 550 feet before impacting terrain. A postimpact fire engulfed and destroyed most of the airplane.
Personnel Information
The 32-year-old pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land and instrument ratings. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on January 26, 2015, with no limitations. According to the operator, the pilot had about 1,000 total flight hours, including 500 hours in the accident make and model.
Aircraft Information
The accident airplane was a 2009 Air Tractor AT-502B, serial number 502B-2668. It was powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-34AG turboprop engine rated at 750 horsepower and equipped for agricultural operations. The airplane received a restricted category special airworthiness certificate on April 16, 2009. According to the operator, the most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on April 18, 2014, and the airframe and engine had accumulated 3,083 total hours. The engine had 200 hours since major overhaul.
Meteorological Information
At 1255, an automated weather observing system at St. Landry Parish Airport - Ahart Field in Opelousas, Louisiana, reported wind from 130 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 4,200 and 5,000 feet, temperature 28°C, dew point 18°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
FAA inspectors and an Air Tractor representative examined the accident site. Portions of the left wing were found near trees adjacent to the rice field. The main wreckage, including the fuselage, wings, empennage, and engine, came to rest on its left side near trees. The postaccident fire consumed most of the fuselage, left wing, and inboard section of the right wing.
The right wing remained attached to the fuselage; its inboard sections were fire-damaged, and the wingtip was found near the initial ground impact scar. The aileron was still attached. Left wingtip sections and the left aileron boost tab were located near the initial tree strikes. The left wing remained partially attached but was consumed by fire.
The empennage remained attached to the aft fuselage, though both horizontal stabilizers were partially consumed. The right elevator remained attached, while the left elevator separated and was fragmented, with most pieces found about 80 feet from the main wreckage. The vertical stabilizer and rudder remained attached but showed thermal damage.
Flight control continuity was partially established to all surfaces; several components were destroyed by thermal and impact damage. The flap actuator was found in the retracted position. The airplane was equipped with AmSafe airbags in the shoulder harnesses, but fire prevented determination of whether they deployed.
The right main landing gear was structurally undamaged with thermal damage to the tire; the left main landing gear was bent inboard. The engine displayed thermal damage and remained partially attached. All three propeller blades were bent and twisted, with one blade tip separated and found near ground impact scars.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the Calcasieu Parish Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as multiple injuries. Toxicological testing by the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory was negative for all screened drugs and alcohol.