Air Tractor AT-802, N363BG: Fatal accident occurred July 25, 2021 in Benoit, Bolivar County, Mississippi

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Jackson, Mississippi 

Air Tractor; Olney, Texas 

Old River Flying Service LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N363BG

Location: Benoit, Mississippi

Accident Number: CEN21FA334

Date and Time: July 25, 2021, 07:45 Local

Registration: N363BG

Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-802

Injuries: 1 Fatal

Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

  

On July 25, 2021, about 0745 central daylight time (CDT), an Air Tractor 802 agricultural airplane, N363BG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Benoit, Mississippi. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aerial application flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Federal Code of Regulations Part 137.

  

The intent of the flight was to apply fungicide and insecticide chemicals to a bean field located about 3.5 miles southwest of Benoit, Mississippi. The airplane was operating from a 2,164 ft-long by 100-ft wide private grass agricultural airstrip, oriented about 230-degrees magnetic. According to the operator, the airplane was fueled with 225 gallons of Jet-A and loaded with 635 gallons of chemicals prior to takeoff.

  

Witnesses stated that they observed a normal takeoff roll. At the departure end of the runway, the airplane struck a berm at the end of the runway, went inverted, and impacted the ground.

  

There were no radio or distress calls heard from the pilot.

  

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

  

Aircraft Make: AIR TRACTOR INC 

Registration: N363BG

Model/Series: AT-802 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural aircraft (137)

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

  

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KGLH,128 ft msl 

Observation Time: 07:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 7 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C /26°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots / , 160°

Lowest Ceiling: None 

Visibility: 9 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Benoit, MS 

Destination: Benoit, MS

  

Wreckage and Impact Information

  

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Fatal 

Latitude, Longitude: 33.602651,-91.023147

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email witness@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290.