Air Tractor Inc AT-502B N509HB accident near Lake Village, Arkansas

Probable cause

A reported loss of thrust for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was departing from a 2,100-ft-long airstrip used for agricultural operations. The pilot reported that shortly after departure, the airplane lost thrust, but the engine remained operating. Unable to continue flight with diminished thrust, the pilot started to jettison fertilizer and completed a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

A postaccident engine and propeller examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure consistent with an inability to produce rated engine power. Damage to the propeller blades was consistent with high impact forces while the propeller was rotating at low power at a low blade pitch angle.

The airplane’s gross weight and center-of-gravity limits could not be definitively determined. However, based on the available evidence, the airplane weight was estimated to be at or above 8,000 lbs. Takeoff distance data indicated the distance required for takeoff would have been between 1,418 ft and 2,156 ft. The runway used for takeoff was 2,100 ft long.

The reason for a loss of engine power as described by the pilot could not be determined as no anomalies were found with the engine.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA223 for the full record.