NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On September 21, 1995, approximately 1010 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502A, N91969, registered to, and operated by McIntyre Flying Service Inc. as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight, was destroyed upon impacting terrain near Coleman, Texas. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The agricultural airplane was destroyed by a postimpact fire and the commercial pilot-in- command received fatal injuries. The flight originated from Brownwood Municipal Airport, Brownwood, Texas approximately 25 minutes prior to the accident, and was en route to Lamesa, Texas.

According to the operator, the accident airplane was one of two airplanes being repositioned to Lamesa for an aerial application contract. The pilot of the second airplane (N1558U), stated that, both airplanes were flying approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL) when he observed the accident airplane enter a "fog bank." He further stated that, he flew his aircraft "under the fog bank" to maintain visibility and "assumed" that the accident airplane "went high" to avoid the weather. After the encounter with the fog, and losing contact with the accident airplane, he decided to land at a private ranch airstrip due to the deteriorating weather conditions.

A witness, who was working approximately 1/2 mile from the accident site, reported that, he "heard the sound of an airplane" and observed an airplane fly directly overhead. He reported that, "the plane was not clearly visible due to dense clouds and/or fog and very overcast conditions." He further reported that, nothing about the airplane "appeared unusual" other than the "poor weather conditions" in which it was flying. Approximately 10-15 minutes later, he observed a "column of dark smoke." He proceeded toward the smoke and discovered the accident site. Upon arrival at the site, he observed the airplane "in flames."

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

According to FAA records, the pilot did not hold an instrument rating. Additionally, a family member reported on the pilot/operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that, the pilot had 1 hour of simulated instrument time.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

A review of the maintenance records did not reveal any pre- existing anomalies, discrepancies, or defects that would have contributed to the accident. The airplane was not equipped, nor was it required to be equipped, with an attitude indicator.

METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION

The witness, who observed the airplane flying approximately 1/2 mile from the accident site, reported that, he "estimated the ceiling to be approximately 200 feet above ground level." He further reported that, "he estimated that the plane was flying approximately 300 feet above ground level [and] sight of the plane was partially obscured by the clouds and/or fog." Additionally, he reported the following weather observations; "solid overcast" conditions, "heavy clouds and some fog", and "a moderate mist at ground level."

According to a witness and the pilot of N1558U, the pilot received a computer weather brief prior to departure from Brownwood. Although Brownwood did not have a local weather observation facility, the following weather observations from Abilene, Texas, located about 38 miles northwest of the accident site, are provided: 0955 SA M8 VBKN 15OVC 7 172/69/65/1611/09 1052 SA M8 VBKN 15OVC 15 172/69/65/0906/10

Abilene is located between Brownwood, and Lamesa, Texas (the airplane's intended destination).

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

On site examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuselage, both wings and hopper were consumed by a postimpact fire. The airplane came to rest in the initial ground scar on a measured heading of 240 degrees magnetic. The turbine engine was buried approximately 18 inches into the ground at a near vertical angle, and the case was fractured and separated just aft of the accessory section. Three of the propeller blades were found separated from their mounts and the other two remained attached. All five propeller blades were embedded in the ground, and all exhibited bending opposite the direction of rotation. Additionally, a tree adjacent to the initial ground scar exhibited cut branches.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy on the pilot was performed by Charles B. Odom, M.D., of the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas. Toxicological tests were negative.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The wreckage was released to the owner's representative.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control. A factor was the pilot's improper weather evaluation and the weather.