Accident Overview
On July 8, 2022, about 1530 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, registration N50075, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Center Cross, Virginia. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an agricultural flight.
Flight Details
According to the pilot, the airplane was fueled at Crabbe Airport (3NR4) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, before flying to a staging airport in Tappahannock, Virginia, where it was topped off with fuel and loaded with agricultural chemicals. Shortly after completing the final spray pass of the sixth load of the day, the pilot turned and climbed to about 350 feet above ground level when he heard a "bang" and felt the engine lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, he lowered the airplane's nose and maneuvered for a forced landing in an open area between trees. The pilot reported that the airplane's speed was too high upon touchdown, causing it to bounce and subsequently impact trees and terrain before coming to rest upright.
Damage Examination
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuselage was buckled, the leading edges of both wings were crushed, and the right elevator was bent upward. The fuel tanks remained intact. When the airplane was moved during recovery, fuel flowed from the left and right wing root areas; the fuel was confirmed to be Jet-A. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all surfaces from the cockpit. The rudder remained attached, and the vertical stabilizer was bent at a 90° angle to the right about midspan. The right flap was retracted, and the left flap appeared partially extended at a slight angle. The left wing was partially displaced. Continuity of the engine and propeller controls was confirmed. No engine debris was located within the exhaust or intakes, and there was no sign of catastrophic engine failure.
Engine and Component Findings
A detailed examination of the engine components and accessories revealed that rotation of the power section was not possible. Smooth, noise-free rotation of the compressor was possible using the accessory gearbox. The pneumatic lines were intact and secured, and the filter was free of contamination. The power turbine control was in good condition. The chip detectors, oil filter, and fuel filter were free of contamination.
Propeller blade examination showed features consistent with some rotation at impact. Two blades had chordwise/rotational abrasion. One blade was bent aft and twisted toward low pitch near the tip. Another blade was bent aft about 90° and exhibited wave bends in the leading edge from tree or branch strikes. The third blade was fractured about 10 to 12 inches from the tip. The damage was consistent with rotation and not feathered at impact.
One blade tip of the compressor turbine was broken and found adjacent to the blade, indicating impact damage. The power turbine section was in good condition, with blade tips showing evidence of rubbing on the adjacent turbine shroud. The compressor rotated freely and was free of abnormal noise or limitations, with no visible damage. The reduction gearbox rotated freely and showed no evidence of defect. The fuel pump and fuel control unit could not be evaluated. Fuel was discovered in the engine compartment filter drain. The fuel selector valve contained residual fuel and operated normally between detents with no binding or limitations, and the detents were distinctive. Based on the engine and component examination, there was no indication of any pre-impact mechanical anomalies.