Air Tractor Inc AT-802 N804AA accident near Gilman City, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting an aerial application flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was about ½ mile from the target field when witnesses saw it enter a steep turn, roll over, and spin to the ground. The airplane impacted terrain and a postimpact fire consumed part of the airplane.

Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine exhibited signs of rotation during impact. The propeller blades exhibited bending and twisting damage consistent with impact while rotating at moderate-to-high power and producing thrust at initial impact.

Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a turn and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23FA353 for the full record.