Probable cause
The loss of power due to the failure of the No. 2 exhaust valve and rocker boss during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during climbout for an agricultural flight, about 75 feet above the runway, he heard a loud "pop," and the engine started to lose power. He dumped the 250 gallons of chemical that weighed about 2,000 pounds. The airplane continued to lose altitude, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cotton field. A postimpact engine fire ensued, consuming the airplane. An examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder exhaust rocker boss was cracked, which likely allowed oil to escape, which led to the loss of engine power and the subsequent fire.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA450 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 24, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Natchez, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (RRDI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-401
- N-number
- N91968
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.