Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were wet and soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the aircraft lost power during the third takeoff of the morning. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff but during the braking phase, the wet grass prevented the airplane from stopping before rolling off the end of the runway; the airplane nosed over in an adjacent soft field. After the airplane was recovered from the field, an examination of the engine failed to disclose a mechanical problem. During the functional examination, the engine operated normally through all power ranges.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 27, 1994, at 0900 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-301, N36484, nosed over during a rejected takeoff from a sod airstrip in Finley, Tennessee. The aerial application flight operated under 14 CFR Part 137, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured. According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the third departure of the morning. The pilot stated that he experienced a reduction in engine rpm during the takeoff roll, and elected to reject the takeoff; the wet grass prevented the pilot from stopping the airplane before it rolled off the departure end of the runway. The airplane nosed over in an adjacent plowed field. An examination of the aircraft and engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. After the airplane was placed upright on the landing gear, a functional check was completed; the engine operated normally throughout the power ranges. -