Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a full examination of the engine could not be performed.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the radial engine lost power as he approached a rice field that he was going to spray; he made a forced landing on a levee. The main landing gear hit a soft spot during the landing and the airplane veered off the road into a field, where it flipped inverted. Although the pilot suspected the blower had failed, the blower was not accessible for examination and no discrepancies were noted in the airplane's maintenance logbooks. The insurance company totaled the airplane and no further examination of the engine could be performed; accordingly, the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 5, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hessmer, Louisiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT 301
- N-number
- N7309Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.