OKEECHOBEE, FL, USA
N10349
Air Tractor AT-502
The pilot stated that while returning to the departure strip after aerial application of chemicals, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. While landing on a road, the aircraft collided with a tree and a guardrail.
On July 6, 1998, about 0900 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N10349, registered to Air Crop Care, Inc., collided with trees while making a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Okeechobee, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed, The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Okeechobee, Florida, the same day, about 0800. The pilot stated he was returning to a grass strip from which he was operating after completing his second spray operation of the day. The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion and as he was landing on a road, the left wing collided with a tree. The aircraft spun to the left and collided with a guard rail.
the pilot's improper planning/decision, by failing to ensure the aircraft contained adequate fuel to complete the flight, which led to fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Obstructions (trees and guardrail) in the emergency landing area were related factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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