CEN24LA193

Factual narrative

On May 18, 2024, about 2015 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-502, N15189 was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Covert, Kansas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 agricultural flight. According to the pilot, during the turnaround after his second swath run, he felt the tail drop and noticed that all the engine gauges, except the Interstage Turbine Temperature (ITT) gauge, were past redline. He attempted to reduce engine power but found the engine unresponsive to changes of the power lever. He conducted an off-field landing to a nearby gravel road. During the landing, the airplane impacted tree branches and ground looped into a roadside ditch which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot was only able to reduce engine power after coming to rest when the Start Control Lever was moved to the Fuel Cut-Off “C” position. The wreckage was retained for further examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel controlling system-Malfunction
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel controlling system-Incorrect service/maintenance
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Maintenance-(general)-Maintenance personnel