Probable cause
A fatigue failure of an engine compressor turbine blade, which resulted in extensive secondary engine damage and a complete loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, as he was setting up for the initial aerial application run, he heard a "loud explosion," at which point, the propeller stopped turning. Metallic debris emitted from the engine exhaust, which was followed by grinding noises coming from the engine. The pilot executed a forced landing to a soybean field, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing and the right wing sustaining substantial damage. A postaccident engine examination revealed that one compressor turbine blade separated from the disc as a result of fatigue. The remaining engine damage was due to the secondary impact of blade fragments during the failure sequence. Further examination of the initial compressor blade fracture surface was limited by the secondary damage sustained during the event.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA473 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 15, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nauvoo, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-502B
- N-number
- N6113C
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.