During The Forced Landing, The Airplane Impacted A Soybean Field And Came To Rest Upright

Location: Mer Rouge, LA Accident Number: CEN21LA357
Date & Time: August 4, 2021, 15:20 Local Registration: N455LA
Aircraft: Air Tractor Inc AT-602 Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On August 4, 2021, about 1520 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-602, N455LA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mer Rouge, Louisiana. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot reported the accident flight was the 3rd aerial application load for the day, and the airplane was loaded with about 480 gallons of insecticide and fertilizer. Prior to the flight, the airplane was also loaded with about 150 to 160 gallons of Jet A-1 fuel. Shortly after rotation, the airplane engine lost power. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a soybean field and came to rest upright. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane wing fuel tanks did not appear to contain any fuel and no evidence of fuel was found at the accident site. The airplane was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov