Probable cause
A loss of engine power as a result of a blocked carburetor. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was repositioning a single-engine agricultural airplane to a private grass strip when the engine lost power while on final approach. The pilot was unable to maintain his altitude so he made a forced landing to the only suitable field available. However, during the roll out he applied the brakes to avoid colliding with a large sprinkler apparatus and flipped over. As a result the vertical stabilizer and the rudder were substantially damaged. Further examination of the radial engine by the operator revealed that the flexible intake hose had come loose and was ingested into the carburetor blocking the throat of the carburetor.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 26, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Plains, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Private (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor At-301
- N-number
- N4427S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.