On 22 Feb 2020, an Air Tractor AT 602 No Series operated by Bunkie Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Bunkie, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not ensure that the tailwheel lock was engaged before landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a straight-in approach and landing, the airplane touched down on the runway centerline. After applying brakes and retarding power to beta, the airplane swerved left, departed the runway, and ground-looped in soft ground, contacting sugarcane. The pilot noted the mishap was preventable due to the tailwheel lock not being engaged.
Accident Sequence
A pilot was performing a straight-in approach and landing to a runway. The airplane touched down on the runway centerline under control. After the tailwheel settled onto the runway, the pilot applied the brakes and retarded the engine power into the beta range. Shortly afterward, the airplane began to swerve to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the left side of the runway. The momentum carried the airplane into the soft ground adjacent to the runway, resulting in a classic ground loop. The airplane then contacted a crop of sugar cane.
Damage
The accident sequence caused damage to the fuselage, right wing, and vertical stabilizer of the airplane.
Pilot Statement
The pilot noted that the mishap was most likely preventable because he did not ensure that the tailwheel lock was engaged before landing.
Probable cause
The pilot did not ensure that the tailwheel lock was engaged before landing.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation