Air Tractor Inc AT-301 N23069 accident near Davenport, North Dakota

Preliminary information

On August 6, 2025, at 2035 central daylight time, an Air Tractor Inc AT-301 airplane, N23069, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Davenport, North Dakota. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight.

The pilot stated that the flight proceeded as expected, and he completed the aerial application successfully. During the return climb to approximately 500 ft above ground level, he noticed the left fuel tank was low and switched fuel gauge indications to the left fuel tank. Shortly afterwards, the low fuel light illuminated, and the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. He immediately actuated the wobble pump and attempted to restore fuel flow manually, but the engine did not respond. As the airplane began to lose altitude, he prepared for and performed a forced landing in a nearby cornfield. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage during the forced landing.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA306 for the full record.