Air Tractor AT-802A Water Scooping Accident in the Ebro Delta (EC-LBG)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 17:15 local time, an Air Tractor AT-802A amphibious aircraft, registration EC-LBG, was involved in an accident at L’Ampolla, Tarragona. The aircraft was operated by AVIALSA T-35, S.L. and was engaged in a commercial aerial firefighting operation. The incident occurred during the water-scooping phase of the flight. ## Sequence of Events The aircraft, flying under the callsign V-03, departed from Sabadell Airport at 15:45 local time alongside another similar aircraft (V-01) after a fire alert in the Vendrell area. Both aircraft conducted initial water drops at 16:15 and 16:25. When the Tarragona port became unavailable due to boat traffic, the pilots relocated to the Ebro Delta, arriving at 17:00. After a reconnaissance flight at 500 feet, V-01 completed a water scoop at 17:10. The EC-LBG pilot, who had not previously scooped water in the Ebro Delta, followed the same heading (120 degrees) and location, slightly to the left. Just before opening the scoops, the aircraft experienced a strong left yaw and deceleration. The pilot’s attempts to correct the situation using right rudder and power were unsuccessful, leading to an emergency water landing. ## Damage and Pilot Status The aircraft ran aground on a sandbank only 20 to 30 cm deep, which was not visible during the aerial reconnaissance. The aircraft came to rest on a heading of 80 degrees. Both floats detached, and the fuselage rested on the right float. Significant damage was reported to the fuselage, left wing, engine, propeller, and floats. The pilot, a 43-year-old ATPL(A) holder with 4,454 total flight hours, reported he was uninjured before abandoning the aircraft. A local fisherman assisted the pilot to shore.