NTSB Factual Report

On February 18, 2005, about 0730 central standard time, an Air Tractor AT-502B, N9114W, registered to and operated by Longwood Flying Service as a Title 14 CFR part 137 agricultural application flight crashed into a field in Avon, Mississippi, while conducting aerial application operations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot received no injuries but the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Avon, Mississippi, the same day, about 0700.

The pilot stated to the NTSB it was his first flight of the day, and was spraying a wheat field. He said he had about 275 to 300 gallons of spray, and about 225 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane, and had made about four or five passes. On the last pass, he said that as he flew the airplane to the east over trees, he then commenced a turn to the left, followed by another turn to the right, when all of a sudden, the airplane started sinking rapidly. He said he pushed the throttle and propeller controls all the way forward, but it did not do any good. The airplane continued to sink rapidly, and it impacted the ground, sliding about 75 yards and impacting a grain bin, before coming to rest.

On April 20-22, 2005, a Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigator along with representatives from Pratt & Whitney, Canada, examined the accident airplane engine and accessories at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Quebec, Canada. The examination revealed information consistent with the engine generating power at impact, and no anomalies were noted to exist with the engine or accessories.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush, and impact with terrain.