Accident Overview
On June 17, 2020, about 1800 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-402 airplane, registration N1532H, was substantially damaged in an accident near Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that while spraying a field, he initiated the first climbing turn to reverse course for a second pass when a partial loss of engine power occurred. The airplane then descended and struck terrain in a near-vertical attitude.
Maintenance History
The pilot stated that the airplane owner had previously informed him that the engine might produce 15% less power and had a history of engine problems. However, maintenance log entries did not document any such history of engine issues.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident inspection of the engine and its components revealed multiple signs of rotational scoring and rubbing. The fuel control unit, fuel pump, starting flow control unit, overspeed governor, and propeller governor exhibited no preimpact anomalies but showed contamination consistent with the presence of agricultural fertilizer. The engine case and other components were damaged due to impact.
Conclusion
No probable cause is stated in the source. The investigation documented the circumstances but did not assign a definitive cause.