The Airplane Engine Began To “Spit And Sputter, And Miss”

Location: Rayville, LA Accident Number: CEN22LA157
Date & Time: March 26, 2022, 16:14 Local Registration: N9192E
Aircraft: Air Tractor Inc AT-401 Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On March 26, 2022, about 1614 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N9192E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rayville, Louisiana. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

The pilot reported that he was making the final agricultural spray passes on a field when the airplane engine began to “spit and sputter, and miss”. He exited the field and climbed over trees and power transmission lines when the engine again started running abnormally. He examined the area for a safe place to land and the engine stopped producing power. He noted that the engine re-started and stopped two or three times as he maneuvered for a subsequent landing.

After touching down in a field, the airplane went over an embankment alongside a water-filled ditch. After it touched down on the opposite side of the ditch, the right wing struck an irrigation unit, the airplane turned sideways, and then nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to both wings.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov