Center Cross, VA, USA
N50075
AIR TRACTOR INC AT-502B
On July 8, 2022, about 1500 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N50075, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Center Cross, Virginia. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 137 agricultural flight. According to the pilot, prior to the spraying operation, the airplane was filled with aviation fuel and agriculture chemicals. While flying his sixth load, shortly after completing his final spraying pass, he turned and climbed about 350 ft above ground level when he heard a loud bang, which was followed by a loss of engine power and the airplane’s inability to maintain altitude. The pilot lowered the nose and attempted to perform a forced landing in a field that looked suitable. The airplane touched down and bounced. The pilot was unable to arrest the bounce and land within the distance of the field. The airplane impacted trees and terrain before coming to rest upright inside the tree line. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuselage was buckled, both wings were crushed on the leading edge and the right elevator was bent upwards. During recovery, the FAA inspector reported that the fuel tank was not compromised and that it contained adequate fuel. The wreckage was retained for further examination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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