Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was spraying a field in his single-engine agricultural airplane when the radial engine's chip light detector illuminated followed by a rough running engine and subsequent loss of power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and made a forced landing to a narrow gravel road. As the plane touched down, the right wing contacted the tall rows of corn that lined the narrow road, which caused the airplane to ground loop and enter the corn field. Examination of the airplane revealed it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The loss of engine power was undetermined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA146 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mumford, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor 401-0860
- N-number
- N15420
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.