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
Aug 19, 2014 Wray, CO N4542W Minor substantial
A loss of the No. 1 cylinder’s compression due to a stuck exhaust valve caused by a lack of sufficient valve clearance, which resulted in a loss of en…

A loss of the No. 1 cylinder’s compression due to a stuck exhaust valve caused by a lack of sufficient valve clearance, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing. Contributing to the loss of engine power were the worn intake and exhaust valves in cylinders No. 3 and 4.

Jul 26, 2008 Lake View, IA N9193F Minor substantial The pilot not obtaining/maintaining altitude/clearance from the power line while performing an aerial application maneuver.
Aug 30, 2002 Hearne, TX N9193Y Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a pump rig while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. A factor was the object.
Aug 28, 2001 Batesville, MS N91922 Minor destroyed The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency 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.

Aug 25, 1999 HART, TX N15119 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines.
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.

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.
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 27, 1994 WALLS, MS N45332 Minor substantial THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. THE SANDY TERRAIN WAS A FACTOR.
Jun 16, 1994 PIONEER, LA N10112 Minor substantial FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. A FACTOR WAS A LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
May 14, 1993 OCONTO, NE N4503U Minor destroyed THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AFTER ENCOUNTERING A DOWNDRAFT.
Apr 17, 1993 FORT PIERCE, FL N7316L Minor destroyed
FAILURE OF THE NO. 2 CYLINDER IN FATIGUE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE LACK OF SUITALE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A …

FAILURE OF THE NO. 2 CYLINDER IN FATIGUE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. THE LACK OF SUITALE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.

Sep 16, 1991 SUMNER, MS N1004W Minor substantial FAILURE OF THE NO. 1 CYLINDER ASSEMBLY.
Jul 10, 1991 CALEXICO, CA N4538K Minor destroyed
THE ERECTION OF A CONSTRUCTION SIGN ON AN ACTIVE RUNWAY BY COUNTY WORKERS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE AIRPORT OPERATORS, AND, THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO …

THE ERECTION OF A CONSTRUCTION SIGN ON AN ACTIVE RUNWAY BY COUNTY WORKERS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE AIRPORT OPERATORS, AND, THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF THE SIGN DURING THE DARK NIGHT TAKEOFF.

Aug 04, 1990 TULE LAKE, CA N45116 Minor substantial AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE DISTRIBUTOR.
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