No fatalities
6 Aug 2021: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B — McElwain Sprayers, LLC — Topeka, KS
On 6 Aug 2021, an AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B operated by McElwain Sprayers, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Topeka, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s decision to continue low-level aerial application flight maneuvers after the low fuel warning light illuminated, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to continue low-level aerial application flight maneuvers after the low fuel warning light illuminated, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
Fluid managementIncorrect use/operationPilot