Air Tractor AT-401 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 73 events recorded from 1989 to 2014.

73

All Events

44

Incidents

17

Minor

7

Serious

5

Fatal (5 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 13, 2000 RIPLEY, CA N4508Y Incident substantial A loss of engine power due to the separation of a connecting rod from the crankshaft.
Jun 01, 2000 THIBODAUX, LA N5028Q Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. A factor was the sunglare on the…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. A factor was the sunglare on the windscreen.

Apr 22, 2000 LAWRENCEBURG, TN N6096P Incident substantial The loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve that resulted in the collision with a tree while maneuvering for the forced landing.
Apr 14, 2000 ACEQUIA, ID N1524H Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain adequate clearance with the irrigation system during initial climb. A contributing factor was the irrigation p…

The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain adequate clearance with the irrigation system during initial climb. A contributing factor was the irrigation pivot.

Jan 25, 2000 RAYVILLE, LA N91968 Incident substantial The loss of engine power due to a crack in the #6 cylinder. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Sep 13, 1999 CALEDONIA, MS N45205 Incident substantial The failure of the fuel control gear train due to oil contamination. A factor was Inadequate maintenance.
Aug 25, 1999 HART, TX N15119 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines.
Aug 12, 1999 HUMPHREY, AR N1031Q Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane.
Aug 02, 1999 MOORE HAVEN, FL N15585 Incident substantial
The pilot exceeding the gross takeoff weight which reduced the climb capability and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the …

The pilot exceeding the gross takeoff weight which reduced the climb capability and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the high temperature and the pilot's failure to use aircraft performance data for the weather conditions.

Jul 31, 1999 EDELSTEIN, IL N61775 Serious (1) substantial
an inadequate fuel supply which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude at which the power loss occur…

an inadequate fuel supply which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the corn crop the airplane contacted.

May 27, 1999 JEROME, ID N6024M Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion. Carburetor contamination and rough terrain were factors.
Oct 08, 1998 NEWELLTON, LA N4531M Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an inadvertent entry into adverse weather conditions. A related factor was the fog.
Aug 28, 1998 N. OTTAWA TWP., MN N4543F Incident destroyed A loss of engine power due to a worn piston ring. A related factor was the owner exceeded the manufacturer's recommended engine overhaul.
May 24, 1998 RICH, MS N1008Y Incident substantial a loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent impact with rough terrain.
May 20, 1998 IDAHO FALLS, ID N1009T Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power transmission line during an aerial application flight. Factors include a power line located jus…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power transmission line during an aerial application flight. Factors include a power line located just beyond the boundary of the field being sprayed, and the pilot's incorrect judgement of the distance between the wire and his aircraft.

Apr 03, 1998 HIGHMORE, SD N1008T Incident substantial the pilot failed to abort the takeoff in a timely manner and could not stop on the runway.
Mar 23, 1998 STEELE, MO N1524H Incident substantial the pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout. A factor was the pile of gravel in the taxiway.
Jul 08, 1997 ALTHA, FL N1509C Minor destroyed the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his failure to maintain control of the airplane.
Apr 18, 1997 HIGHMORE, SD N1008P Minor substantial a premature lift-off of the airplane by the pilot in command.
Nov 09, 1996 CALEXICO, CA N1014N Incident substantial the pilot's premature lift-off from the runway and his failure to attain adequate airspeed.
Sep 01, 1996 BROWNFIELD, TX N1502F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. A factor was the crosswind.
Aug 30, 1996 PLAINS, TX N1558N Minor substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while maneuvering after a swath run, which subsequently resulted in a collision with the ter…

failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while maneuvering after a swath run, which subsequently resulted in a collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the adverse wind condition (gusty wind and possible windshear).

Jun 15, 1996 CASH, AR N1004W Incident substantial The partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.
May 28, 1996 LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA N1549D Fatal (1) destroyed
failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering (turning), which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terra…

failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering (turning), which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The high gusty wind condition was a related factor.

Aug 22, 1995 TAFT, TX N9190Q Incident destroyed THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE THAT CLEARANCE WAS MAINTAINED FROM THE TRANSMISSION LINE.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data